Where to start
Think about the other person or people and what factors may influence their views. Some
compare this to looking at an iceberg. You can see part of it above the surface, but most of the
iceberg is underwater, out of view.
With educators, some factors that may be unseen are:
• A desire to help your child mixed with frustration that there may be 30 other children also
needing help
• Past experiences with your child’s disability are influencing how your child is viewed
• Lack of knowledge about your child’s particular challenges or confidence about what to do
• When someone isn’t a parent, it can be harder to appreciate parenting challenges, let alone
special needs parenting
Concerns that may be below the surface for