We Continue to Teach

A few months ago, when our Pastor asked someone to read a Bible verse, Trent volunteered. I was shocked at how poorly he read, and how poorly he pronounced words that I knew he could pronounce. Don and I had been noticing a decline in his abilities and, quite frankly, it scared me. I have known for sometime that there is a connection between Down Syndrome and Alzheimer's, and since my mother had Alzheimer's, it only makes me more anxious. I think, though, that I have discovered the reason for the decline.

As we parents get older (and more worn out), we no longer feel like teaching our child with special needs. Somehow we feel like we should be finished with that part of our lives. I became busy with other things--good things--things such as serving God in our local church and reaching out to parents who have children with special needs. In doing that, I neglected my own son. It was just a few weeks ago that I realized something needed to be done.

I began to have him read to me a few times a week and then I ask him questions about what he has read. I also encourage him to pronounce the words correctly. In just a few weeks time, I have seen a great improvement.

Last week I saw a mom in the grocery store who also has a son with Down Syndrome. I hadn't seen her for years. Chuckie is four years older than Trent. Her words to me were, "Chuckie has really gone down. He doesn't do as well as he use to do." I think that we just accept that fact that because their life expectancy is shorter than ours is, this decline in their mental ability is normal. I told her of our experience and what I was doing with Trent and that he was already showing some improvement.

Quite frankly, there is not much out in the world for our children with special needs. Of course there is special rec, and there are some jobs available. But the jobs and the recreation are usually just a few hours a week, leaving our children with many hours of doing nothing worth any value whatsoever. The four hours Trent works a week enables him to bring home a paycheck, which he loves, but it does nothing to motivate him. Let's face it! If we don't use it, we lose it! Our children need to be mentally challenged!

Look for a church that has a special needs ministry. Trent always learned well under the pastor's preaching and teaching, but our own special needs Sunday School class has helped him also. We have only a few in attendance, but it gives us time to discuss some of the things that are pertinent in their lives. If there is an opportunity, let your child serve in the church somewhere, even if you have to walk alongside of him to train him.

I want to encourage parents of grown children to constantly work with them. Have them read. Ask them questions. Make them count money. I am going to have Trent go grocery shopping with me as he use to and give him a certain amount to spend. In short, everything I taught him when he was young, I must continue to review. I guess we are home schooling again, in an abbreviated form.

Once a mother, always a mother!! I'm glad that I am needed! Never will I be able to use the words, "I'm bored!" Praise God!