tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post1246602038329461658..comments2024-03-28T03:35:52.176-04:00Comments on Love That Max : Max's special powersEllen Seidmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01433429847255621203noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-85860048397330562932016-04-10T10:55:46.559-04:002016-04-10T10:55:46.559-04:00I'm with you. I think special powers makes it ...I'm with you. I think special powers makes it seem if our kids are witches and wizards which they're not of course. I hate the word crippled but I can't stop people from using it. Hollynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-26506660171716297942016-04-10T10:52:01.537-04:002016-04-10T10:52:01.537-04:00Same. Special needs is good but special powers rea...Same. Special needs is good but special powers really doesn't sit well with me. It makes it sound like the person is magical from Harry Potter or something to be honest. Hollynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-21244816258560542262016-04-10T10:47:59.993-04:002016-04-10T10:47:59.993-04:00I don't mind the term delayed because Noah wil...I don't mind the term delayed because Noah will be delayed unlike his twin sister. He has spina bifida a neural tube defect. Hollynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-83558933486060980172013-02-21T20:35:58.647-05:002013-02-21T20:35:58.647-05:00I am autistic and my special powers are intellect ...I am autistic and my special powers are intellect and zeal.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16576844684725684941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-18031456340039753542013-02-21T20:35:06.231-05:002013-02-21T20:35:06.231-05:00Max's special powers are zeal and inspiration....Max's special powers are zeal and inspiration.<br /><br />Mine are intellect, zeal, inspiration, and productivity.<br /><br />But zeal and inspiration are more needed in this world than intellect and productivity.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16576844684725684941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-65071278397228123772010-10-13T14:46:55.701-04:002010-10-13T14:46:55.701-04:00I was away at the ADAPT national action when you w...I was away at the ADAPT national action when you wrote this. I'm sorry I've taken so long to get to this, because "SPECIAL POWERS" is driving me NUTS. ICK! Seriously, STOP IT! You seemed to have entirely missed the point of my previous comment. It's SPECIAL that is the problem. How is "SPECIAL powers" different then "SPECIAL needs?" Actually, IMHO, it's WORSE. MORE patronizing.<br /><br />What's wrong with saying to the hot dog lady "No, he has cerebral palsy." Or saying to kids, who obviously won't know what it means, "Max has a disability, cerebral palsy, which means that the muscles that help him walk and talk work different."<br /><br />Again, what does SPECIAL have to do with it?Cherylhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10665407473272299474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-14490302385440529862010-10-01T12:45:16.058-04:002010-10-01T12:45:16.058-04:00Great perspective, and great comments! My friend s...Great perspective, and great comments! My friend says the term "special needs" just makes her think of her kid at a restaurant - no ketchup, no pickles, no mustard, etc. This conversation is making me think about how I'm am going to frame my son's autism for him, when he's ready to start understanding that he approaches the world a little differently from other people.Wantapeanuthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11993949583915924482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-14919187438466658602010-09-30T13:08:24.161-04:002010-09-30T13:08:24.161-04:00awesome! We tiptoe around all of the medical terms...awesome! We tiptoe around all of the medical terms and it bugs me. I often tell kids who ask "what's wrong with her?" a simple "that's how she is, she's special" <br /><br />I am fearful that once she heard me using "special powers" I would be cleaning up more broken household objects from Miss Thang testing out her hidden abilities.mamikazehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07755373799677928934noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-25274266709550691122010-09-26T18:23:27.654-04:002010-09-26T18:23:27.654-04:00I use such language, though am more sensitive arou...I use such language, though am more sensitive around others with children wih disabilities. NEVER would I say something in front of a child to make him or her feel different. I say "differently abled" "special needs" and on occasion "handicapped" or even "mentally challenged" or in textbook form, "mentally retarded", though that one usually out of angst because despite being slow, my four year old is so, so bright. And that is not just because I am her sister. She may have Down's, but she's anything but stupid. <br /><br />Then again, I'm also the kind to ask a person what their child's disability is - again, never in front of the child. But that's because I LOVE to talk about my Hannah's DS. I see nothing wrong with asking questions. We all want awareness of people/children with differences, yet at the same time, wish to censor this. It makes little sense to me. <br /><br />But then again, I'm "different" too. Blessed (and clinically diagnosed) with Asperger Syndrome, whew boy! God, my fathers genes must SUCK ;]Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07148468073289948773noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-63482666440138732032010-09-23T13:48:50.882-04:002010-09-23T13:48:50.882-04:00thank you for sharing! even thought my son does no...thank you for sharing! even thought my son does not speak, i want to use language that he would want to use in describing his "special powers"!Shana Carignanhttp://carignanadoption.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-31786691051931944202010-09-23T11:01:34.486-04:002010-09-23T11:01:34.486-04:00Gina, that is now my new favorite quote of all tim...Gina, that is now my new favorite quote of all time. Thank you. You always share such good stuff. <br /><br />Christy, there is a huge movement out there called "people-first language"—the idea is to put the person before the disability, just like you're instinctively doing. I have gotten called out here on the blog for writing "special needs kids" on occasion. I am not always fastidious about it, but philosophically, I agree!Ellen Seidmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01433429847255621203noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-11849422044438400132010-09-23T10:52:34.342-04:002010-09-23T10:52:34.342-04:00this is a little bit different but I'm really ...this is a little bit different but I'm really annoyed but the term special needs kids. I don't know why it bugs me so much but any time I try to type it I have to change it to child with special needs.<br /><br />the term itself doesn't bother me though. I could say my son is disabled, which is true, but I don't think it gives the impression on how disabled he really is. of course, that's also like the term CP... just a big umbrella term.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-7112199977878912062010-09-22T09:53:49.991-04:002010-09-22T09:53:49.991-04:00We don't use special needs - it's kind of ...We don't use special needs - it's kind of 'icky'. Special needs as an explanation for an action, behaviour or disability doesn't say or explain anything.<br /><br />I was fortunate to hear Concordia University’s Tim Loreman speak... he says:<br />“Children do not have special needs. They have human needs - to be loved and love, to feel safe and welcome, to move about their environments and to learn to find their place in the world. “Special” are all of those weird and wonderful things we do instead of doing this.”Gina @ Inky Ed!http://inkyed.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-10418927878571504992010-09-22T00:31:53.489-04:002010-09-22T00:31:53.489-04:00Good, thought-provoking post. My wife and I have a...Good, thought-provoking post. My wife and I have a disabled - er, special needs - er, specially powered - daughter. However you want to say it, that's entirely up to you.<br /><br />We're so used to dealing with the special needs department of the children's hospital we go to, that we don't mind the phrase. Of course, whatever our daughter decides when she's old enough to make such decisions, we will respect that over anything we prefer.<br /><br />Regardless, it's interesting seeing other people's reactions and comments.Paulhttp://eichefam.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-55740850316084576722010-09-21T23:05:45.473-04:002010-09-21T23:05:45.473-04:00I have CP as well, am 18, and am not a fan of the ...I have CP as well, am 18, and am not a fan of the term special needs either. Special powers is cool for little kids, but I just prefer to say that I have a disability or that I'm disabled.... because I am. The term 'differently abled' also irritates me, but I figure that people can use whatever words they like to describe themselves or their children. Their choice of words, not mine so if they like the term, then good for them. <br /><br />Oh, but the one I hate most is 'handicapped'. I mean, unless I'm playing golf, I don't have a handicap. It's just one of those things that really grates me. Am I the only one who can't stand (sit, if we're being literal) it?<br /><br />Anyhow, nice post.Erinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11377293194507640289noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-50339568272559911692010-09-21T21:40:16.361-04:002010-09-21T21:40:16.361-04:00Lisa,
I like what you have to say. I also have Ce...Lisa,<br />I like what you have to say. I also have Cerebral Palsy and am not a huge fan of the term "special needs." I am also a special education teacher and I have never used that terminology "on" my students, regardless of their level of ability. Like you, I teach them and others to be clear and specific about WHAT their needs are. I am not opposed to the term disabled. Or even "differently abled." I don't even like to use the term "special" education and normally refer to my room as a place to get some extra help.Mariannenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-30224930141559562942010-09-21T21:08:49.740-04:002010-09-21T21:08:49.740-04:00Great story. "Special powers" is cute. I...Great story. "Special powers" is cute. It would be nice if we didn't need labels, but we do. For now, the known label is "special needs" to describe our children. When you say special needs others at least have a small clue to what the situation is. <br /><br />When I need to, I say that my son has Asperger's - it's on the Autism spectrum.<br /><br />I'm stubborn and don't really like the terms special needs or disability. I frequently talk with my son about how everybody is different. Not good, bad or less than - just different.Beckyhttp://www.sueberrylane.infonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-26651148733370093092010-09-21T19:54:21.358-04:002010-09-21T19:54:21.358-04:00Even some "typical" people are insulted ...Even some "typical" people are insulted by the term "special needs" because they feel it implies that their child's needs aren't special- or that their child isn't special. <br />Being in a wheelchair, one of my boys has a more obvious disability than his brother. People tend to just get quiet and stare- or as my nurse observed today, some ppl like to come up to them and high five them (she's annoyed by this solely for germ concern) but it doesn't bother me, I love it. I'm going to try the magical powers on someone one day. But for now, I really just say "oh, they were born too soon". It's quite obvious their needs are not the same as mine or theirs. <br /><br />Love that you had that moment at the boardwalk! Those are the times you should think about when you have those crappy encounters. <br /><br />KerryMs. Crabasshttp://twin-transfusion.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-69831435498542607852010-09-21T19:39:02.647-04:002010-09-21T19:39:02.647-04:00I read all the comments and I have to say, I go bo...I read all the comments and I have to say, I go both ways. I think it's nice, reaffirming and supportive to say "Super Powers". It shows an acceptance and the positive spirit of diagnosis....however, I also see that my son has 5 different diagnosis. Super Powers doesn't really describe him. He actually has special needs. His powers don't explain why he needs to be met by an aid every day and dropped off by the same...why the sense of grouping / belonging is so rigid with him (why I don't belong in the school and therefore can't walk him in without casing problems). It doesn't explain the quirks that can be fine one day or one minute and be melted into a hurricane the next. When I speak to professionals, on boards or in groups, "Special Powers" doesn't cut it - for explanation, understanding, or professionalism. However, talking to another child about my son...special powers is perfect.Gina @ Special Happenshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06365171441092415607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-88493097922201112112010-09-21T18:58:05.132-04:002010-09-21T18:58:05.132-04:00Special powers? I love this. You are probably mo...Special powers? I love this. You are probably more correct than you know. <br /><br />Each person who has one area of weakness will immediately accommodate in another area so your Max probably does have many, many powers we "normal" folk would find useful!Hannahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01563408187165270329noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-14233069941584023062010-09-21T18:53:00.757-04:002010-09-21T18:53:00.757-04:00I wrote about this same topic last week. I've...I wrote about this same topic last week. I've decided that my son's Special Needs class should be renamed JEDI -- Justice for Exceptionally Developing Individuals. Spec. Ed teachers can be JEDI masters. When special needs kids are mainstreamed into traditional classes, all the other kids would be all, "oooh, cool, we're getting a JEDI!"stark. raving. mad. mommy.https://www.blogger.com/profile/14069991449771866820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-6058886088276731682010-09-21T17:02:40.056-04:002010-09-21T17:02:40.056-04:00I love this post :)I love this post :)The Boydshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17734578890361337666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-33765033679022757012010-09-21T15:53:13.681-04:002010-09-21T15:53:13.681-04:00I do not mind the phrase "special needs"...I do not mind the phrase "special needs" at all. <br /><br />I think the others are cute and fun and should be used simply because of that. <br /><br />For me my daughter has CP. She isn't CP. She has a disability and she does have special needs. <br /><br />My princess does have a "label" That is just a fact of life and I am ok with that. <br /><br />On this journey I have made an effort to make sure people see my daughter for who she is no matter what she can or can not do.<br /><br />This has been my mission and until the day comes when someone looks at me and says Makenzie IS CP or she IS special needs or she IS the r word I am fine with any of it.Makenzies Miraclehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05661162667463266357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-47588211686239371952010-09-21T14:43:13.821-04:002010-09-21T14:43:13.821-04:00I've always felt a little awkward using the ph...I've always felt a little awkward using the phrase "special needs," but I like it better than "delayed," and since we aren't 100% sure M. has autism, I'd rather use special needs than autism at this point.<br /><br />I think when it comes to phrasing, it really depends on what the particular person/parents want. I have a disability but I wouldn't use the term special needs to talk about my disorder, b/c it doesn't require assistive devices. I prefer to use differently abled. Sometimes people get upset that I don't like the word disabled, but labeling matters! I work with teens with my disorder and those who consider themselves disabled have a VERY different outlook on themselves than those who use the term differently abled.<br /><br />For that reason, I think a term like "special powers" is awesome! I don't know if I'll use it now, when my son is still so unaware of what's going on, but as he gets older I think I'll switch to it.MarfMomhttp://marfmom.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-8537846132030842932010-09-21T14:02:34.755-04:002010-09-21T14:02:34.755-04:00Awww that is Awesome-"Special Powers" :)...Awww that is Awesome-"Special Powers" :)Patriciahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06906851813510474548noreply@blogger.com