Skip to main navigation menu Skip to main content Skip to site footer
##common.pageHeaderLogo.altText##

Reflections

Vol. 17 No. 1 (2019)

Karate Chops and Kitchen Tools: My experience learning new skills alongside youth with special needs at Montreal’s Friendship Circle

DOI
https://doi.org/10.26443/mjm.v17i1.126
Submitted
December 14, 2018
Published
2019-07-06

Abstract

As part of our second year in medical school, we are required to seek out a volunteer placement in order to get exposed to the social aspect of medicine, exploring the social determinants of health up-close and personally. This is accomplished through a course called the Community Health Alliance Project (CHAP). My experience at the Friendship Circle of Montreal has opened my eyes to the place that friendship has in caring for an individual. Being a "buddy" to someone with special needs works to undo the isolation and stigmatization that further complicate their unequal access to healthcare and services. Acknowledging that community and companionship are some of the tangible and addressible needs of youth with special needs brings us one step closer to bridging the gap when it comes to accessible health for all.

References

  1. References
  2. Ahlers, KP, Gabrielsen, TP, Lewis, D, Brady, AM, & Litchford, A. Supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder in understanding and coping with complex social emotional issues. School Psychology International [Internet]. 2017; 38(6):586-607. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0143034317719942
  3. Charlton P, Azar R, Luke A, Doucet S, Montelpare W, Nagel D, et al. Falling through the cracks: Barriers to accessing services for children with complex health conditions and their families in New Brunswick. Journal of New Brunswick Studies. 2017; 8:133-158.
  4. Doig JL, McLennan JD, Urichuk L. 'Jumping through hoops': parents' experiences with seeking respite care for children with special needs. Child: care, health and development. 2009; 35(2):234-242.
  5. Lindly OJ, Chavez AE, Zuckerman KE. Unmet Health Services Needs Among US Children with Developmental Disabilities: Associations with Family Impact and Child Functioning. J Dev Behav Pediatr [Internet]. 2016; 37(9):712-723. doi: 10.1097/DBP.0000000000000363
  6. Musher, DA. Inclusion and attitudes of adolescents in a camp setting. [Internet]. 2016. Available from: https://search-proquest-com.proxy3.library.mcgill.ca/docview/1826530766?accountid=12339

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...