Social Issues


There are different stages of social issues in my opinion from schooling I have had,
and personal experiences and things that might have helped myself growing up with a PWS birthmark.

First stage:

In the years before a child starts school they are still developing in their mind. They might have a few friends of the family, or kids in the neighborhood. If these friends are in the same age group and going to be in the same school/grade they can be a factor in how your child makes friends in school. I suggest a some get together (with the parents), birthday parties, bowling, picnics, barbaques, etc, etc. You want to have the other children or parents to not feel uneasy around your child (accepting them for who they are in other words) and to get to know your child's personality. They might ask some questions but out of curiosity. Children esspeically as you all know.

Second Stage:

Elementary school will be very hard for your child. I had many days coming home crying because kids were very mean. Having sleep overs, birthday parties, and continued the get togethers helped me a lot to be open about my conditions. I had ADHD/ADD when I was in this stage and I felt stupid sometimes because I was in Special ED.
In Elementary school I had to take meds to control my hypyerness which made me feel different. I got made fun of a lot in school but I learned at a very young age to let the comments roll off my shoulders. Giving positive reenforcement is always very important esspicially when not doing so well in school like I had. 

Third Stage:

Middle school will be a little better since the kids will be starting to mature. Dating issues will start to come up. It was very hard for me because I had not relationships only a few friends but felt like an outcast. Teachers, parents, and classmates will never know what it feels like unless you are the one walking in those shoes. Suggest trying encourage your child to participate in school activities: Band, sports, art, or what ever he/she is interested in. Giving them the tools and not let them sheltered from the real world.

This will be the stage where if your child already feels like an outsider he/she will start getting into trouble for attention. Because of the depression from it (if there) they might start being around the wrong groups. Extra support is helpful during this part but do not force the issue to talk about it all the time because they will just avoid the issue.


Four Stage:

High School and the beginning of adult hood.
This is the stage when your child will know his/her place or will start figuring out what they want to do with their life like "normal people". Setting goals in their lives for college and the working life. Relationships for me was kind of a sore area not having any serious relationships or dating. I had a lot of friends but that was it.
By this time not very many people made jokes about my PWS. Teenagers are Teenagers at this point. But still people judge you because of your looks and that age group as we all know is still very judgmental.
College will get easier to an extent. Being that I moved out of state to go to college it was harder because I lived so far from my family and their support but also made me stronger as an individual.


I know all this depends on the condition of your child whether they are safe to live on their own or not. Some with SWS are not because of seizure activity, and will live with their parents for their life but some can grow out of it I did.. Most of the children will be on their own after school, as long as they have a goal in sight. Do not let your child think just because they have a condition, does not mean they can not live out their dreams!!!!

If people say you can't do it, tell your child to prove them wrong. It will fuel them to succeed.



Remember, these things are just my opinion, and personal experiences. I grew up in a small town and was there all the way threw grade school. Moving around can be even harder for a child as well as live in bigger cities.

I guess taking childhood education and psychology classes pay off after a while hu.

If anybody has any questions or comments please ask I would be interested in hearing from you.

Hank