"There is no telling what may be going on inside their head" by Jocelyn

"There is no telling what may be going on inside their head" by Jocelyn - May 2018 Scholarship Essay

For the past two years, I have been volunteering at the Social Learning Center of Cheshire, CT. It is a local counseling center that offers a range of therapeutic services to children, adolescents, and adults dealing with developmental and learning disabilities, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or ADHD, which impair one’s social development.

I have mentored children and teens in several social cognitive groups and individual counseling sessions. During these sessions, the counselor/therapist and I engage in free-flowing conversations, games, and other various activities with the clients. We embed lessons about social skills and social awareness that are essential for people to develop as they age, but are difficult for those with disabilities to establish. The clinicians and volunteers also take pride in creating a safe space for clients to share anything they feel comfortable talking about. This is very important since it is difficult for them to establish meaningful connections with, and be understood by, others. I have made special bonds with these clients, some of which continued beyond our final group session together.

The time I have invested in these groups has taught me a great deal, while humbling me tremendously. I continue to learn so much about individuals with ASDs and ADHD and how difficult social tasks that we take for granted can be for them. Actions as simple as passing the dice to another player during a game and actively listening to the person speaking require plenty of rehearsal for people with cognitive deficits. I have learned that significantly more individuals are affected by these disorders/disabilities than most people realize. Some people on the autistic spectrum are very high functioning, and therefore fall under our radar. However, they still struggle exceedingly with navigating the social world. All of this information, and more, has encouraged me to give everyone the benefit of the doubt and to be patient when engaging with someone socially. There is no telling what may be going on inside their head.

Continual research supports the notion that all people should be more informed about the nature of developmental and learning disabilities. Not only can it shrink the stigma around such disorders and reduce bullying and discrimination, but it will help affected individuals be heard and understood. It will encourage a happier and healthier life for all.