I was intoriduced to these Syndromes by some wonderful girls I was lucky enough to work with. They had these conditions themselves, and taught me that there is no such thing as 'normal' and no such word as 'can't'!!
The first child I met was called Kate she is one of the thousands of Silent Angels in the world. Kate has Rett Syndrome. I met her when I started working for The Children's Trust, UK. It was her smile and her wonderful eyes that drew me to her instantly. She cannot talk, yet she is able to communicate so clearly. With an expression/sound for every feeling, she gets her point accross.
Kate opened my eyes to a world full of wonderful children. Even though I was lucky enough to work with many special needs children at the Children's Trust, not all with Rett Syndrome (RS), it wasn't until I got onto the internet and researched RS, that I discovered what a fascinating, while heartbreaking illness it is. I was also fortunate enough to find a community of parents, siblings and fellow care-givers who all get together and shared ideas, problems, losses and triumphs through Rettnet, Clubrett, Rettsyndromeclub, and Rettangels
My work with Abbie was very different to my work at The Children's Trust, and taught me a lot about how to interact with Kate, Hattie and other disabled children. Abbie was part of a programme called Son-Rise, and as far as I can tell it had a wonderful affect on Abbie's life. It also had a great affect on my life - increasing my confidence, developing my imagination...really bringing me out of myself!!
I have known Abbie for over a year now and I have learnt so much from her, she understands every word I say to her - and choses which to respond to depending on her mood at the time.
Likewise her Mum, Tina, has taught me to never say never. If you believe something is possible and that it will happen then it is far more likely to!
Please use these links to learn more about Angelman Syndrome and the Son-Rise prgramme.
I now only help Abbie during her school holidays! She mad such a huge improvement that she was able to start school in September 2002! It is a special school, and Abbie is learning valuable social skills, makaton and how to be a regular child in many ways! From the pictures I have seen, she is having a ball!!!
Abbie was very sick at the end 2002, but is now very much back to full strength!! She is a truly amazing child!
Thank you.
