Three Life Lessons I Learned from Special Needs Students

For around four years I had the privilege of helping create programming for students with special needs in a school-setting. Over the course of these years I came to realize that the veil between these students and God was thinner than it is for the rest of us. I got the sense that they were truly nestled in the Fatherly heart of God in an incredibly beautiful and special way. These students were such a beacon of light and joy, and although many of them had profound needs, I found myself encountering deep truths and life lessons I don’t think I would have gleaned elsewhere in the same way.

Here are three life lessons I have learned from working with these incredible students:

Be Yourself- This is one of the first lessons I learned. Many of the students I worked with were on the Autism Spectrum, and I noticed that part of their experience was being completely, always and unabashedly themselves. They didn’t cover up when they were having a bad day, and weren’t shy to tell me about their interests. In many ways they were incredibly free as they navigated the world with full authenticity. This reminded me to simply be myself and spend less time worrying about what others thought.
Be Celebratory- This lesson struck me a couple of years into the role, when I had the opportunity to see my students hit some milestones. In the world of special-needs programming, the seemingly smallest thing can be the biggest celebration. Everything from learning how to use utensils independently, communicating with one-word phrases, or moving up one reading level was celebrated as a monumental achievement. This reminded me that life goes by so incredibly quickly, and just how important it is to take pause and remember to celebrate little successes.
Be Present- I learned this lesson very early on in the role. When I would spend time with special needs students, I would ask about their weekend, hobby, or how their day was going. I learned however, that I needed to be truly present to the child as I waited for their response. The student would often need extra time to respond, would be carefully pressing their communication device to communicate, or would be gleefully chattering away. In each circumstance I was reminded that my presence was my gift to them in that moment. To not have my phone out, or be distracted, or try to rush their answer, but simply give them the space and time they need to express themselves.

The time I spent working with special needs students was truly a gift. Pope Francis stated that “We are called to recognize in every person with disabilities, even with complex and grave disabilities, a unique contribution to the common good through his or her own original life story.” Additionally, Psalm 139:14 says that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made”, and how true that is in each of us! My students taught me that regardless of the circumstances we are born into or find ourselves in, we are each made precious and have a priceless dignity that comes from being children of God.

Invitation to Prayer: Lord, thank you for creating each of us so wonderfully. I pray that we can reverence each person we encounter as we see You within. Please guide us and help us become more like You. Amen.