My daughter is a 12 yr. old w/ Down's Syndrome....She has never had a problem before securing mental health and speech services! We've recently moved to Maine and the speech therapist in her new school said that we shouldn't speak Spanish to her (our natural language) anymore! This was never a problem before and I felt that was uncalled for or even racist! What do you think?
2006-12-19 04:01:37 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
Take her to get another opinion! The school systems suck, that's why I homeschool my 3 girls.
2006-12-19 04:10:09 · answer #1 · answered by lilmama 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't think it was racist however, I think she could have put it another way. Since, you all live in Maine, I think what she is trying to say is, by your daughter not learning the American language it puts a barrier up for her to communicate with others other than someone that speaks Spanish. Which in some ways can hinder her progress in her new location and delay learning. Just food for thought, have you thought about if something happens to you and she was placed into a care facility? Most speak English and it would be difficult for her to convey to someone what she needs. While I don't think she should stop speaking Spanish, she should learn, if at all possible the English language so she can understand those who don't speak Spanish. I think the therapist needs a lesson with bed side manors and dealing with parents and should have explained her self more than she did. You might not have felt so offend. Good Luck and Merry Christmas to you and your little one.
2006-12-19 04:10:23 · answer #2 · answered by be happier own a pitbull 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I assume the primary language at school is English? Only from what you have posted here--I would guess that they may believe that the Spanish spoken at home may be confusing her and making it hard for her to use the English at school. I bet she has trouble with both languages.....right? If that were the case with ANY child, I think maybe it would be better for that child to speak ONE language instead of trying to make them bilingual. Bilingual isn't for everyone---Down's Syndrome or not. I don't believe for a second that it has anything to do with being racist.
Have a sit down with the teacher and principal. And don't go in there with an attitude. I'm serious. Hear them out with an open mind. Maybe get someone (someone who isn't already thinking this has to do with race) to go with you and give you an honest opinion of what the teacher says. If after talking to them and seriously thinking about what they are suggesting, you still don't agree, then go to the school board and fight it.
2006-12-19 04:22:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I do not think this is racist. I think the teacher probably wants your child to speak more english so that she can be understood more. Does your daughter speak and understand english well?
When at home I see no problem with speaking it, at least use both since this is a mainly english speaking country and IS our national language.
Speaking in spanish with her in public or in the school in front of others is, a bit rude..Sorry but that is how I feel.
2006-12-19 04:16:07 · answer #4 · answered by Mommadog 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does your daughter speak and understand English as well? (just curious)
Perhaps she feels "threatened" by not being able to understand what you are saying when you speak in Spanish or that she cannot understand your daughter. Ask her why this is. If you are not satisfied with her answer and attitudes then I would think you need to find another speech therapist.
I have worked with Downs adults - routine is VERY important, continue to advocate for your daughter and her needs.
Good Luck
2006-12-19 04:06:25 · answer #5 · answered by his temptress 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-11-27 20:07:40 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think if the speech therapist said that,she didnt mean it in anyway to be racist.She probably figures that the school (who speaks English) that she's going to,is going to teach in English.If your talking Spanish to your daughter,she's not going to understand why you are talking to her in Spanish and the school is talking English.ya know?It was no racist comment whatsoever.
2006-12-19 07:50:11 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, I agree.....it's uncalled for (I'm not sure if its necessarily racist)!! She's probably dictating terms from book knowledge! I think that if your daughter has the capability to learn one language she can learn more......irrespective of Downs syndrome!
Oh yes, I'm a physician!
2006-12-19 04:10:27 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ridiculous, and you obviously have a firm grasp on English, so you speak to your daughter however you want to!
2006-12-19 04:03:30 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
get an explanation of why this is recommended and see if it makes sense.
2006-12-19 04:03:40 · answer #10 · answered by David B 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋