Day of Sympathy #3

I must admit that this activity was the most difficult one for me. We were assigned to ask for help from a stranger while not being able to say the letters "l" or "n" to simulate a learning disability. The stuttering assignment was easier in a way since I did not have to think about it as much while I was speaking. During this simulation activity, I am quite certain I struggled with staying consistent...saying an "l" one time and not another time. I just got funny looks this time instead of people being nice. It is so frustrating to have something to ask or say and not be able to just say it. I struggled and felt silly as I fumbled through my questions. I cannot imagine struggling with this kind of disability daily. It would be tempting to stop talking altogether just to avoid the strange looks or the "What?" response after you have already asked a question a couple of times. I thought about how hard it is to be different. What must it be like? Here is one girl's thoughts on having Asperger's syndrome and feeling different from those around her:

 "Feeling Different From Others: I'm a 22 year old young woman that has Asperger's Syndrome. I was diagnosed when I was about four years old. I knew I was different from the other kids, but I didn't know what AS was until I was in high school. I hate myself for having this disability. I've meet people in high school, but I felt left out and isolated because I was different. I don't think anybody knows that I have AS. I struggled to fit in, but I was always pushed away and end up alone. I was frustrated. I was never part of a group of friends. I only have one friend that is very true to me and she never ignored me. I have friends outside of high school and connected to a few of my childhood friends made me so happy. I sometimes feel rotten because of my disability and stupid, but I'm not. I feel stupid and sometimes I regret my childhood because I wasn't in the same level as other kids my age. I wish Autism wound go away, but unfortunately, it can't. I'm a college student and my mind will be focused in the present."

(Source: http://www.experienceproject.com/stories/Hate-Having-Aspergers-Syndrome/2494448)

Reading this made my heart hurt. To be different and desire to not be what you are, would be a very difficult struggle. I wondered what parents and teachers might be able to do to help assist those that are struggling with "feeling different". In my search I found a resource that I thought might be beneficial to share that could help both parents and teachers: Empowering Parents  I believe that letting children know that they are not alone and that help is available can be one of the best actions we can take.

I really felt a bit of this frustration during this assignment. I can imagine that day after day, the frustration would only escalate. I can imagine feeling alone and thinking that no one understands. I hope that by following some of the advice given in the article that I found might help someone who has a child in their life that might express these feelings.