Working with Special Needs Youth and Leaders

As a trainer in my area it has become apparent that many leaders are struggling with meeting the needs of special needs youth in their sections. Often times I am asked to talk about different special needs as part of the Local Topics section.

I am trying to create a training session that can be shared either online or as a curriculum that will address the needs of leaders and youth. I have a background in special education. What I am looking for from this forum is feedback.

What are the top three types of special needs youth that we deal with in our sections today?

What information would be most helpful to us as leaders when dealing with these youth?

Are there sections out there that have special needs leaders? What can we do to support these leaders?

Is there anything else you think is pertinent to this topic?

Thank you for taking the time to answer.

Marnie Ferguson

I would contact Michael Burdo. He's a Scouter in our Council, a Youth and Family Counselor and former Crisis Intervention worker. He's written articles for Scouting life. He's been asked for advice so often that he wrote and just yesterday launched a book: "Working Effectively with Youth and With Youth with Disabilities" (subtitle "Engaging Youth - A Comprehensive Guide of Helpful Tips and Ideas").

Send me a PM and I'll be happy to share his contact info.

This article was referenced in today's Ottawa Sun: Green Play Settings Reduce ADHD Symptoms. The research paper comes from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Landscape and Human Health Laboratory, Frances E. Kuo, Director

Marnie,
I'd also like to get a SYDS workshop put together for our Area. I have a developmental worker who deals (professionally) with these youth on a regular basis who is willing to help me. Please let us know what you come up with.

I found the attached information on an Australian site that may prove useful to you. https://www.vicscouts.asn.au/Disabilities/Docs/DisabilityBook.pdf

Yours in Scouting,
Bernie Avery

Hi
One of the biggest issues in our group and I suspect in others, is the child with ADD/ADHD. Many of thes children have behavioural issues and can be quite disruptive to the rest of the group. These are also the children that would benefit from scouting the most. Any help in deealing with these kids would be very helpful.

Aging,

I agree. We have had, and do have ADHD/ADD, OC, autistic, and I am sure there is more. These kids are the ones that need the benefits of scouting the most. But, us highly paid leaders (? ?) are not fully trained nor qualified to deal with these kids, BUT we try. It does disrupt the entire group, and it almost comes down to a one leader on the youth for activities to run. We have asked for help from the Area, but an occasional additional leader, once in a while, does not help a continuous program. It really draws on the leadership resources, and patience. Pamphelets and reading materials are good background, but fall far short of being effective.

My area now has a group specifically for youth with neurological impairments such as those mentioned. They've just started their second year and are doing very well. I've visited them a few times and the program they run is outstanding. They do more camps and outings than many of my "normal" groups.

Garth
Alberta