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potential match
Serrakunda
August 25, 2011 16:15
Hi thereI am white and single. I have a potential match with a mixed heritage white/african child with special needs. re the special needs an original diagnosis of autism spectrum has been removed and there is some contradiction about mainstream/special school,but the reports indicates significant progress and suggests that the developmental delay is due to neglect rather than a medical condition.I have travelled extensively in Africa, although becuase of the political situation not too much in his country of origin, though a fair amount in neighbouring countries. When I say travel I dont mean holed up in Thompson hotels I mean overland travel, camping in schools, churches, shopping in the local markets and generally getting involved in the community. I already cook African food and go and see a lot of African bands. My house is full of photos and stuff from my travels. I live in a small but very diverse city, we have a strong African Caribbean Society and a community association for the country of origin concerned and a big festival in the local park every summer. I feel that I could meet the childs needs with regards to culture and ethnicity and quite frankly I dont need much of an excuse to get back on a place to anywhere in Africa.Just interested to hear any thoughts from those of you who have already done this. Lots to think about!Serrakunda
Jet
August 25, 2011 21:50
sending pm Jet
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Serrakunda
August 26, 2011 00:07
thanks GardenI dont know too much about autism spectrum and the cpr isnt that clear about why he was diagnosed or why that was removed, it does indicate significant improvements, particularly with regard to his speech and interaction with other people. Its top of my list of things to get to the bottom of. I think you are right about focusing on the behaviours rather than the diagnosis and would hope to be able to see him at his school before making any final decisions. I had embarked on training in theraputic horticulture. The next stage requires me to specialise and I had already decided to focus on SENs and have will be doing some training in November, all arranged before I knew about him so maybe the runes are pointing in this directionLots to think aboutSerrakunda
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thespouses
August 26, 2011 12:09
Autism is also very common in developing countries, particularly where malaria or other severe infections (e.g. meningitis) can cause children to have early brain damage. I know someone who works on epilepsy in one such situation and families do often assume it's a curse etc. but in that situation (not the West African culture that is the majority African culture in the UK) exorcisms etc. are not common, the culture is more relaxed and families are just left to get on with caring for their child.
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Serrakunda
August 26, 2011 12:25
Unfortunately I have personal experience of African traditional belief systems. My ex is West African and suffered from a nasty immune difficiency disorder. His family hated me so much, desite being practicing Anglicans, went on holiday back home ( odd timing as a very nasty civil was in progress !!) where he found himself up country with the witch doctor warning him of the perils of the wicked white woman ( ie me) who was of course responsible for his condition and did the whole casting out of the devil. He was lucky to survive having then been stopped at a road block. He was born in Tottenham and really had no idea how to deal with machete/AK47 weilding teenagers high on drugs poor love.But we digress. The birth family dont appear to carry any such beliefs and have stated that they hope the new family will be able to help him in ways they were unable to
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