Special Needs Kids Are People Too

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Embracing the Whole Child: Insights from Amy Bodkin on Special Needs Parenting and Education

As parents and educators, we strive to offer the best for our children, ensuring they grow up in a nurturing, supportive, and enriching environment. But when it comes to special needs children, the path can be more complex, requiring a deeper understanding and a holistic approach to their unique requirements. This is where Amy Bodkin’s insights, shared in her book Special Needs Kids Are People Too and discussed in a recent episode of "The Feast Life" podcast, become invaluable.

Understanding the Holistic Approach

Amy Bodkin emphasizes the importance of viewing special needs children as whole beings—body, mind, and soul. This holistic perspective ensures that we cater to their educational and personal development needs comprehensively. Rather than focusing solely on behavior modification or academic achievements, it’s crucial to consider the child's emotional and spiritual well-being. Respecting and honoring their personhood is the foundation of this approach.

Why Terminology Matters

One of the key points Amy discusses is the terminology used to describe special needs children. She prefers "special needs" over "neurodivergent" because it encompasses a broader range of conditions and situations. This inclusivity ensures that all children with unique needs feel acknowledged and supported. It's a reminder that every child, at some point in their lives, may require accommodations outside the average.

Adapting Charlotte Mason’s Philosophy

Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy is widely respected for its focus on respecting children as persons. Amy has skillfully adapted Mason's principles to suit the needs of special needs children, viewing them through a neurodiverse lens. This adaptation maintains the core values of Mason’s philosophy while addressing the diverse needs of children with special needs. It’s a testament to the timelessness and flexibility of Mason’s approach.

The Power of Stories

Stories hold immense power in shaping a child's empathy, imagination, and understanding of the world. They provide experiences and lessons that children might not encounter in their daily lives, fostering emotional and intellectual growth. Amy highlights the importance of incorporating a wide variety of stories into education to nurture the soul and broaden perspectives. Stories are not just for entertainment; they are a vital part of holistic development.

Practical Tips for Managing Meltdowns

Meltdowns are a natural expression of unmet needs, and understanding their cycle is crucial for parents. Amy offers practical advice on managing meltdowns constructively. She describes the meltdown cycle as a bell curve, with a trigger, escalation, peak, recovery, and reflection phase. Creating a safe space for children to express their emotions and providing coping tools can make a significant difference. Importantly, parents are encouraged to remain calm and supportive, focusing on understanding and meeting their child's needs rather than reacting emotionally.

Emphasizing Self-Actualization

Self-actualization, the pinnacle of Maslow's hierarchy of needs, is about becoming authentically oneself. Amy discusses how this concept applies to both children and parents. Encouraging children to embrace their unique strengths and weaknesses fosters a sense of self-worth and personal growth. For parents, self-acceptance is key to creating an environment where children feel safe to be themselves.

A Unique Support System

Amy offers a special needs membership group that provides resources, support, and community for parents and children. This group includes opportunities for educational growth, parent support, and even yearly testing to monitor progress. It’s a unique blend of practical assistance and community building, designed to help families navigate the challenges of special needs education.

Join the Conversation

We invite you to listen to the full episode of "The Feast Life" podcast, where Julie Ross and Amy Bodkin delve deeper into these topics. Gain valuable insights and practical advice that will empower you to embrace and nurture the whole person in your special needs child.

Embracing a holistic approach to special needs parenting and education can transform not just the lives of our children, but our own as well. By focusing on the whole child, we can create a nurturing, respectful, and empowering environment for them to thrive. 

About our guest:

Amy Bodkin is a Consultant and Public Speaker serving homeschooling families with needs that fall outside the norm. She is uniquely qualified to help homeschool families with a wide variety of special needs. Amy is an Autistic Adult, has an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Neuropsychology, a Master's degree in Educational Psychology, and homeschools her two Autistic kiddos. Amy takes a Developmental Approach paired with Charlotte Mason’s Philosophy that “children are born persons” and are worthy of the respect due to persons. You can check out all that Amy does to advocate for the better treatment of children at her website, AmyBodkin.com. It's as easy as ABC: Ally, Boost, and Connect! Ally with Amy through her podcast, “Special Needs Kids Are People Too!” Get a Boost with her Educational Resources. And Connect through her Membership Group and Private Consultations!

Special Offer:

• Free Month in Special Needs Membership Group: Listeners can get a free month of Amy’s special needs membership group. Here is the coupon code for the free month of the membership: AGF-FREE-MEMBERSHIP 

Connect with Amy Bodkin:

• Website: Amy Bodkin Consulting
• Facebook: Amy Bodkin Consulting
• Instagram: @amybodkinconsulting
• Free Online Facebook Support Group: Link available on her website.

Additional Resources:

Book: Special Needs Kids Are People Too by Amy Bodkin