I am very interested in the issue of 'labelling', and was interested (and
in agreement with) John's comments re negotiating labels on a daily basis
depending on who 'they' encounter.
I find that I negotiate my own feelings re labelling on a regular basis. In
my heart I (think) I believe that labels create prejudice, and that they
should be reserved for jam jars. However, I don't think that our culture
or society allows me to hold true to that belief for the following reasons:
When I realised that my own son had 'hidden disabilities' for want of a
better term, I was extremely keen to be given a diagnosis/label. (Are they
the same thing?)
This enabled me to read and research what have amounted to very complex and
subtle difficulties in life and learning. In being 'well read' on his
particular 'diagnosis' (which is poorly understood) I felt more able to
offer him appropriate support at home, and more capable of fairing well in
the battle-field of education. In deed I have made a career of being a
'pro-active Mum'.
Now that I know the nature and actual and potential consequences of his
particular difference, the label has retreated into the background, but it
enables me to offer my son an honest reason why he finds things more
difficult that his peers . This really seems to calm his frustration.
I speak to many children and adults with the same 'diagnosis' and they are
ALL pleased to have a hook on which to hang their difficulties. Indeed
many of those who were diagnosed in adulthood have been almost liberated.
Liberated from a history of assumed stupidity, laziness or disruption.
They have found great relief in the label, and some have become very
pro-active in their claim to equality.
However, having acquired the educational resources for my son to meet his
needs (via his label) I am truly concerned that his educational provision
is moulded around his label rather than his unknown potential.
'He'll never be a high flyer' is not an unfamiliar turn of phrase to be
directed at me. Said about a child of almost 8, at the very beginning of
his school career. Frightening.
It is a difficult, and I know contentious subject, but I would be very
interested to hear what other list members think. My own thoughts and ideas
changed dramatically of course, when I became involved on a subjective
level.
(Perhaps hidden disabilities are an issue on there own).
Regards.
Gill.
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