Introduction
Life is full of ups and downs. With time one comes to realize challenges are inevitable for people who have disabilities and those who do not. One will however agree that life can be relatively more challenging for people with developmental disabilities. One can only but wonder what goes on in their minds as thrive in various spheres of life. Unique strength can therefore be attributed to the minds of developmentally disabled fellows.
Definition Of Terms
Developmental disabled individuals are people with chronic neuro-developmental disorders which are often congenital that causes them to have impairment in physical and psychological activities. These conditions, which are manifestations of certain events that occurred during the developmental period, may impact day-to-day functioning, and usually last throughout a person’s lifetime.
Disabilities ranges from physical to mental, motor, and learning difficulties such as dyslesia, Tourette’s syndrome, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, Irlen syndrome, and dyscalculia, Autism and Asperger syndrome, Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, Pervasive developmental disorders. fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, Cerebral palsy amongst many more.
Over time people with developmental disabilities have been viewed as incapable and incompetent in their ability to make rational decision. Sometimes foul and derogatory words such as dimwit, handicap, idiot, moron, weirdo, window licker scallywag and nincompoop are often used to address or describe them.
On the contrary people with developmental; disability when exposed to the proper nature and nurture proves to be unique and stands out in their various profession. Tom Holland who has being described by some publication as most popular movie Actor of his generation was diagnosed with dyslexia at tender age despite this condition he rise to stardom in short period of amounting a total net worth of 25 million dollars before the age of 26.
Leornard da vinci whose artworks remain the talk of art world for centuries also has similar developmental disability as his ability to spell or read is described has ‘erratic’.
Michael Phelps at a tender age of nine was diagnosed with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Fortunately, he became not just a swimmer but an Olympic medalist with a world record of 22 medals. RJ Mitte, Lionel Messi, RIc Hensn. Stella Young, Stephen Hawking, Jerry Fox, the list of such unique individuals with neurological disabilities is inexhaustible.
This proves a basic fact that people with developmental disabilities can do just as fine as people without them. They can attain a rear Height of creativity dimension which cannot be quantified. Therefore, the need to channel energy where their strength lies. Self discovery, develop and determination is present in the mind of everyone. They have ability that transcend and goes beyond the four wall of the classroom. Implying that they often require more than what the formal school syllabus can provide. Epitomes of uniqueness are often notable in people that that developmentally disabled.
Ephemeral words used to describe them sometimes do not do justice to the term as they are not often appreciated by the people in question. Semantics evolve with time and Geographical location. A perfect diction however seems impossible come by, due to the fact that words appreciated by one person may not be appealing to someone else. Therefore, it can be approached from a holistic angle. But by understanding what goes on in the minds of individuals with developmental disability.
Relating To People
For people with congenital developmental disabilities, relating to people and talking about their disability can be complicated. Low self esteem is one inferiority complex is another. Therefore the question what goes on in the mind of a person with disability? Understanding this requires commitment and cordial relationship with the person in question. A random curious fellow approaches a developmentally disabled individual to ask questions about such condition will be considered rude and obnoxious. As a matter of fact being a professional care giver or family is not enough reason to pry into such person life.
The Mind
However, the mind grows stronger by the day as they adapt to the world they find them self. At tender age, some persons with developmental disability prefer not to talk about it. The feeling of the desire to be addressed like every other person is quiet apparent. Even sometimes when questions are not asked, a stare can scream embarrassing words. Such persons might even have some level of disdained for rear privileges allocated to people with disability.
Then, there is a state dilemma. At this point conflicting ideas runs in the mind. Idea that triggers mixed feelings. The individual is stuck between being odd or unique, between being grateful and grieving, raising awareness and turning blind eyes on negative impression, between revolting and keeping mute, between being priceless or worthless.
After a while the mind grows to a self sustained state. The individual after numerous occasions of profound experiences now sees his unique ability and therefore anxious to tell anyone who cares to listen. Contrary to time when such person is shy to discuss some issues, talking is now considered intriguing. Occasionally, they use social media platforms to reach people and discuss their condition, as well as to also encourage people with living similar conditions. Popular tedtalker Yasmin Sheikh repeatedly stresses the fact disability does not mean inability as she share profound experiences of how she made it to stardom.
At this point the mind is stronger than ever, they are willing to share both the good times and the bad times. They draw inspiration from atrocious occasions they share WITH ANYONE WILLING TO LISTEN.
A typical example this is Susan Robinson discussing “how I failed at being disabled”.
Conclusion
As one tours the mind of the developmentally disabled one comes to realize a lot. Although the best view is from disabled stand point, from the pressure to share to shame for not sharing. The least one can do is raise awareness to the public of polite manner of approaching a person with disability. Above all, no disabled person should be under additional pressure from anyone due to his curiosity. Their minds are strong but should not be obligated to do what with tramper with their peace of mind
