The joys and challenges of being mom to a special child

MANILA, Philippines - While medicine and treatment can do wonders for a child with special needs, sometimes the most important thing parents can do for their child is to just understand and love them. On Wednesday, May 25, the Center for Possibilities, Inc. (CFP) has invited Sunny Escareal Velasco to speak about the challenges and triumphs of being a mother of a special child, and how knowledge and understanding can be the key to unlocking your child’s potential.   “When I was first told my child had special needs, I didn’t know what to do,” Sunny shares. “Special needs was a taboo subject in society; it was rarely talked about, and if it was, most of the stories were gossip, opinion, and half-truths. So I decided to learn all I could about the subject. I took my Masters in Education and majored in Special Education (candidate). I then worked as a curriculum consultant for the Center of Autism and Related Disorders (CARD). These experiences helped me get a better understanding of developmental disabilities as a whole, but more importantly, they also gave me a better understanding of how to communicate with my son, to encourage him to surpass his limitations, and be all that he can be. I’m proud to say that today, my son lives life to the fullest, he’s now a college student taking up History at De La Salle University Manila.”  

Sunny Escareal Velasco will share her story and other inspiring stories at the next CFP parent support group meeting, to be held on May 25, 4-6 p.m., at the Reach International School, 67 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City. For inquiries, call 725-5132/ 723-1242 (look for Tina).

The Center for Possibilities Inc. is a non-profit foundation working for the benefit of children with developmental disabilities and their families. Since 2008, the foundation has been conducting parent support group meetings with invited speakers to offer insight, inspiration, and advice to the parents of special-needs children. To learn more about the foundation, visit www.possibilitiescenter.org.