Working with special needs children has taught me to never give up -Adelola Edema

Adelola Edema loves to work with children. She’s one young woman with a heart of gold. As a Special Needs Education/Autism Consultant, she looks forward to a time in Nigeria where children with autism and other special needs can find educational support no matter where they are based, and she wants to be involved in that process.

Her passion for educating and molding special needs children in Nigeria is worth emulating if our society needs to fully embrace and integrate these children into the system.

Even though she studied Education in the University, she had many choices that would benefit her financially, but she chose to tow the special education line. Today, she has learnt life lessons from special needs children that have helped her become a better person.

Adelola shared her story with Feminine World recently.

How long have you been working with children with autism?

It’s been 7 years now since I started working with these children and I have grown with them.

What was your motivation; is it out of passion or a move born of a personal experience?

I cannot particularly say it was born of a personal experience because I did not know anybody personally when I started out, but over time I have become family to some families that have children with autism and other special needs which has made it personal for me. However, I studied Education in the University, and I made the choice based on an inclination to toe the special education line.

What are some of the things you have learnt working closely with these children?

The most important thing I have learnt working with these children is never to give up. Many times, we (I or the parents) are tempted to give up on teaching a particular skill to a child, but I have seen in most cases that when we don’t give up, and probably change the style of teaching or break down the tasks, the child catches up on the skill and becomes very good at it.

Another thing I have learnt, or more like I am learning, is not to look down on anyone; it can be shocking at times when I think a child cannot handle a new task, and the child picks it up so fast and not only enjoys doing it, but becomes very good at it.

I have to be reminded of this all the time, and I see this lesson benefiting me even in my relations with neurotypical people, that is people without autism.

What are some of the challenges you face?

The initial challenge I faced when I started was that there did not seem to be significant financial gains in the field, and I was advised to consider other job options, but I was blessed to have mentors in my field and parents who encouraged me to forge ahead. Now things are looking up, and the remuneration is improving.

Also it can be challenging getting parents to see from your perspective; for example, I may think that a child needs a new diet to help reduce some symptoms, but because I am not a doctor, the parent might not take me seriously.

Another challenge is when parents assume that I should be a miracle worker, although that is improving because with proper communication between the parents and I, there is less pressure on me and the parents whose kids I work with presently realize that they have a part to play.

Most importantly, another major challenge I have faced is working with a child starting therapy late, either from age 7 or 10 or even late teenage years. This was what prompted the autism awareness that I do; the earlier parents know that their child with special needs can be helped, the more early intervention cases we will see.

As with every health challenge, early intervention is key, the earlier we start treatment the better for the child and the family. And it’s a full-time job for me.

Have you ever felt like giving up sometimes?

Yes, I have felt like giving up many times, but I have also learnt not to give up, and with every time I wanted to give up, there are 10 more times than that that I am motivated and excited to continue.

What are some of the behaviour that parents of these children exhibit sometimes that you don’t like?

It can be frustrating to work hard with a child, and the parents are not augmenting my work at home. A few hours of therapy is not enough for a child, so the child’s progress will definitely be slow, and the parents will then blame the therapist for the slow progress.

In what ways can these children be supported by Nigerians?

I know that some parents suffer from stigmatization from the society, acceptance and care is very important if Nigerians want to help. Taking care of these children as a parent or as a therapist is quite expensive, so funding even if not much more money will be appreciated.

Children with special needs need educational support, and being in an inclusive system can be good for some of them, so regular schools can set up a special needs department with trained hands, because every child deserves quality education.

What are some of your dreams for these children?

I look forward to a time in Nigeria where children with autism and other special needs can find educational support no matter where they are based, and I want to be involved in that process. Many professionals are working hard in this country to build skilled and independent individuals on the autism spectrum, I desire that their disorder will not stop employers from accepting them in the work place; parents cannot spend all the money they spend, and we work so hard and we won’t have hope that after training them to function in the work place they can be employed.