Translating Through Disabilities

There are often disparities when trying to communicate with people who have a disability. My nine-year-old son has fetal alcohol syndrome, sensory processing disorder, and a history of seizures with stroke-like symptoms. In a nutshell, his brain was damaged because of alcohol and cocaine use by his biological mother.

"The greatest problem often is a marked discrepancy between seemingly high verbal skills and inability to communicate effectively." ( Streissguth and Burgess). This evening my little boy went to his room where he proceeded to throw his lamp, everything off his bed, and several toys onto the floor. It was a good night because he was able to stop fairly quickly with minimal insults directed at people in the household. My son knows words that most nine-year-olds do not know; however, he is completely unable to verbalize these moments of utter frustration most of the time. This evening the lamp on the floor was because he didn't get to read his paper in front of the class. We normally do not know what triggers his anger.

In my work as a foster parent, I have interacted with many children with emotional disabilities. It is very difficult to communicate with them. One has to become very clever to be able to interpret what is not said verbally. Sadly, I have encountered similar situations trying to manage adults. Adults are often emotionally disabled and their ability to communicate hindered as well. It takes God's grace, patience, and understanding to be able to work through these communication barriers.