Sometimes you read something and it inspires you to rethink how you work and how you communicate with others.  I have just read an extract from a book called "Eye Can Write - A Memoir of a Child's Silent Soul Emerging" by Jonathan Bryan.  This book will be ready to purchase later on this week and I for one will be purchasing it.

Jonathan Bryan is a young man with a long list of medical and physical conditions.  His early years were spent trapped inside himself until a communication system was used which enabled him to express himself.  His voice and thoughts are articulate, clever and intelligent.

I have spent the past twenty years supporting children and adults with learning disabilities and feel very strongly about age appropriate activities and treating people in a person centred manner. Jonathan beautifully articulates the horror of being aged eight and having to do Maths to nursery rhymes as well as having to listen to such songs for relaxation.  This made me think of how awful it must be for young people in secondary schools and in adult placements who are supported by staff and families who view them as young children.  I feel very strongly that age appropriate activities are the way forwards and we need to face the challenge of appropriate resources head-on.

The other point Jonathan raises is that he and his peers were never able to touch each other.  Why is this?  Why are children, young people and adults with complex needs not able to touch each other, yet carers and staff often have full access to their bodies?  I feel very sad reading his comments on this and will reflect on my own practice going forwards to ensure I do not react quickly to people being friends and being friendly.

Jonathan Bryan is a remarkable young man.  I will add him to my list of 'inspirational people' I would like to meet.  My Mum was the person who found the article inside the 'you' magazine which comes along with the 'Sunday Mail' (dated 08 July 2018).  My Mum was incredibly moved by Jonathan's words and his desire to support others in reaching their full potential - whether that is because of their disability or because they are carers/staff supporting people with disabilities.  

A great read and one that will inform practice going forwards.

Thank you, Jonathan.