I really hadn't had much to do with children who had special challenges till my Son started Pre-School.After Billy's first day I asked him how much he loved little school and if he had made any friends.He was very excited about school and couldn't wait for the next

 rostered day.He had made lots of friends and 1 girlfriend(he said he was going to marry Sarah)LOL.He then asked me why a girl in his class was so special?????  I asked for an explanation........He told me that his teachers had told the class that they had a special girl in their class and as such they had to look after her.He was very confused as he thought all kids were special.He was very put out as this Special girl was loud and did naughty things,all the parents were notified about a downs syndrome child being a member of the class at the last minute so no preparation for our children was able to be delivered before the start of school.

I was young and really hadn't considered an explanation at all.Once I explained that yes all children were special and that some kids had different ways of seeing the world and doing things he was fine.I explained to Billy that children like the little girl in his class had trouble thinking clearly and as such said and did naughty things some times.I had to simplify downs syndrome to a level he could relate to.One day I received a phone call from the pre-school to come and pick Billy up as he was distraught ........I lived 30 minutes out of town and on that day it felt like 30 hours.Apparently Billy had gotten into a nasty fist fight with some other boys,they had been pushing and teasing the little girl with downs.....

Billy had come to her rescue and then when she had seen Billy getting hurt she went hysterical......Bill then thought she had been badly hurt and he became distraught as well......WOW that poor little class was in a real state that afternoon.Bill looked after and stood up for this girl right through primary and high school.....At 13 she would see Billy across the street and scream out I LOVE YOU BILLY if she was on the same side of the street she would run up and plant big sloppy kisses all over his face LOL he used to get embarrassed but he never once pushed her away.....her Mum loved my Son and thanked me each year for Billy's care and understanding of her daughter.I think it is wise to teach our kids that all children  are special just that some require more care  and patience than others.I taught my Son that all people are unique and differences are to be embraced not ridiculed.When Bill saw a man in a wheel chair for the first time he was intrigued,I couldn't  answer his questions so I suggested he go and introduce himself to the Man.....

This he did,by going up and holding his hand out to shake and telling the fellow his name asking him his,he then proceeded to flatter Wayne's wheel chair and found out that Wayne had been drink driving and as a result ended up being a paraplegic.Wayne was just so happy to have some one come up and look him in the eyes and treat him like he was normal.

Kids feel our vibes and learn from watching how we deal with issues of all sorts.Monkey see Monkey do,If they see or hear us react in a negative or hesitant way toward challenged kids and adults they will respond in kind.Children can be very cruel and not very compassionate toward challenged kids,I think it is a fantastic lesson to teach our kids to be tolerant and understanding of those who need it most.

Ignorance breeds fear and this inevitably leads to defense mechanisms kicking in thus ending in  children(and adults) reacting in a sometimes cruel and hostile demeanor toward challenged kids and adults.I believe a basic education of some of the most common challenges would be very advantageous in preparing our kids in how to respond best to these wonderful individuals. My thoughts and best wishes to all the challenged kids,adults and their families.We learn so much from you all when we open our hearts and eyes blessed be