Sharing “I CAN!” Attitudes: Emily
Emily is a 5 1/2 year old with multiple labels. She is non-verbal, but, has her own unique way of communicating with eye gazing, facial expressions and body motions. Many people tend to underestimate her intellectual abilities because she cannot and does not speak like we are accustomed to. Emily has just entered into kindergarten this fall at a new school with new teachers, therapist, and para-professionals that know nothing about her. Within the second week of school, Emily was being asked questions regarding a visual story lesson that the teacher had just taught the children. Emily was asked four questions relating to the story. Emily answered each of the four questions correctly using a combination of eye gazing and adapted switches for her answers. The teacher was so proud that Emily got all four answers correct! As a parent, I actually cried when I heard this! I was so excited that Emily was able to show others in her own way what I already know – that she gets it all! Even though she is non-verbal, and her fine motor skills are so delayed that she has a difficult time even operating the most simple switches, she did it – she exhibited her \”I CAN\” attitude! P.S. did I mention that Emily has intractable seizures and has hundreds of them daily!
~ Kristy Kargel (Proud Mom)
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