Inclusive ECCD: - Consultative Group on Early Childhood Care and ...

UNICEF/5527/John Isaac
Environmental risk. Too many children are victims of civil strife.
Throughout the world there are millions of children
like Luz Maria, Lijembe and Farouk. They
are classified as children with special needs; i.e.,
they are not like ‘normal’ children. The fact that
these children have special needs means that they are
and will be treated differently than other children.
Historically, as well as in many contemporary cultures
and sub-cultures, children with special needs
have been ignored or neglected, and also abandoned.
There are complex practical and psychological factors
at play. Their families, and the children themselves,
may experience shame and fear about their differences.
The children are pitied and often ridiculed.
These reactions are generally due to ignorance about
the causes of their handicaps. Shame often arises from
the belief that the handicap might be a punishment
for a sin committed in the past; fear is common
because of the unknown and the unpredictable nature
of the children’s behaviour caused by their particular
handicap; pity results from the supposed helplessness
of the child and his/her need for care and protection.
The children are ridiculed because they are different,
and parents are embarrassed because of the child’s
behaviour. Special needs children are often looked
upon as a burden. They are frequently regarded by the
family and community as worthless, useless, and
dependent, and it is no surprise that children quickly
take on this view of themselves.
Children who are different and require special
attention need support, as do their families, however
the social morés which guide a community’s reaction
to these differences frequently lead the child and fam-
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