Help Special Need Kids/Siblings Learn From Groups

Little J, a child with severe autism and intellectual disability, first encountered inline skating during a kindergarten at a community club. Mom's original intention was to improve Little J's concentration so he could focus in class. During the trial class, I accompanied him throughout the session, concerned about disturbing the instructor and other students. However, during the break, the instructor said, "Mom, your child isn't suitable for training here. I suggest you try somewhere else." Other parents were whispering nearby. In that moment, it felt like a sharp pain pierced my heart. I quietly helped Little J-Ge take off his gear, tears welling up in my eyes. On the way home, I couldn’t stop crying. I was heartbroken—he had tried so hard, yet wasn’t accepted.

After that, apart from early intervention at the hospital, he stopped participating in other activities. That was until he came across the An An Slow Angels’Family Support Association. This is a warm and welcoming community dedicated to supporting and accompanying Slow Angel families. Here, we participated in many therapeutic parent-child activities, including inline skating. The initial practice was filled with frustration. From warm-up exercises to putting on safety gear, he needed mother's assistance throughout the entire process. Because Little J was young and lacked endurance and stamina, he would often ask for restroom breaks after just a few practice sessions. By the end of the class, just putting on the gear and dealing with Little J's emotions was exhausting, and I struggled with whether to continue. Thankfully, along the way, the teachers and other parents offered encouragement, sharing their experiences and teaching me when to let go. This was a learning experience for both Little J and me, and it gave us the motivation to persevere.

   Little J started by putting on roller skates on one foot, walking with his legs and feet raised, and wobbling back and forth, to practicing by cutting the straps on both wheels. The coach gave professional guidance, I held his hand to give him a sense of security, and other parents smiled and cheered us on. Here, no one blames the crying or screaming. No one gives strange looks

In this friendly learning environment, through repeated, step-by-step practice, year by year Little J can now skate freely with other students on the playground, humming a song, smiling, and enjoying the breeze ten years later.

Thanks for the support of the An An Slow Angel’s Family Support Association to give me hope and guidance when I was lost. An An is like a strong family, providing a strong backup. In addition to providing professional team consultation and course learning, there is no discrimination here. Children can learn and express themselves happily, and parents can learn from each other, communicate, and care for each other. This gives me the confidence and courage to face the outside world. It's great to have An An!