As someone who is special needs (decoding, developmental coordination disability, and anxiety), I deal with standard assumptions about how people with special needs are assessed from a "normal person" perspective; between how to act, what to do, or the simple definition of "special needs." Here are the most common assumptions that have been answered and debunked:

1. How can I get their attention?

By saying hi, you don't have to be on your tip-toes. I promise we are not super fragile.

2. I feel bad for them.

I understand why you feel bad. Our disabilities are something we deal with on a daily basis. Just don't do one thing: Do not say "I wish I had a disability." If you do that, prepare yourself for a world of trouble.

3. What can or can I not do when interacting with them?

Use common sense; we are not another species. However, if they do have an aide, then I would ask, how do I interact with this particular person?

4. Are they stupid?

Thankfully I had only 1 or 2 people say this to me, but the answer is no. People are special needs due to disabilities they have, not their general IQ level.

5. How are they intelligent?

Although we are considered special needs, we tend to play our strengths into what we do, and our IEP or S.A.R helps downplay the weaknesses that we face. For example, I cannot write well at all, and it took SIX people to grade a written exam once. To allow me to show my intelligence I am allowed to use my laptop for notes, papers, and exams. Also, we are just simply intelligent in general.

6. Do they look a certain way?

That is a no, and I had people say that to me before, not every special needs person looks the same nor has a distinct look. I look for the most part normal until you hear my voice then you can tell I have a problem because I speak very fast and have trouble with certain sounds.

7. Do we get bullied?

In my experience, no, because my high school had an unspoken rule among students that special needs kids were a "no-no" to be picked on, and one time a person tried to pick on me, and they got cursed out. In college, people have the rule of "don't be a jerk." Some people in other areas may be picked on, which is unfathomable. If you're a bully, please stop, it is not getting you anywhere.

8. Can they live normal lives?

Yes, they could, they can go to college or pursue their dreams. They often work with organizations both private and public such as Vocational Rehabilitation to work with them in figuring out life after high school, such as drafting an S.A.R (Student Accommodation Report) for their postsecondary institution or finding jobs that will allow them to use more of their strengths and less of their weaknesses.

9. Whatever you do, do not say "you can't do it."

It will lead to either one of two ways; they will give up on everything, or they can grow a flame in their heart find ways to do it and prove you wrong. Regardless of the outcome, you will be seen as a horrible person.

I hope that this clears up some assumptions when it comes to special needs people. The key thing is to be yourself (unless you are a jerk--then be nice) and treat them like any other person. We are not super fragile, I promise.