Our brain started working the day we were born, and since that it has been working all the time, which seems so natural to us. However, for unknown factors, some children would lose part of their mental ability, which poses certain hindrance to their grow-up process. Without proper care and attention, these mentally retarded children would not have the ability to look after themselves, to communicate or learn, and their home and social life will be adversely affected. Life would be even harder for them when they have grown up. This episode will look at two cases, through which it is hoped that parents and the audience would know how to accept and take care of mentally retarded children.
Case 1: The main personage in the story Lin Suet Ching (Ching Ching) is only 8 years old. She acquired the Down's syndrome when she was born. Children with Down's syndrome tend to have lower cognitive abilities than others of the same age, but through persistent learning, they can also grow up happily. Ching Ching's parents found it hard to accept when they first knew about her disorder. But they soon overcame the perplexity and made all-out efforts to take care of their daughter. They let her participate in various outdoor activities, including skating, group tour, in the hope that Ching Ching could live every day of the life happily.
Case 2: The main personage of this case is Tang Sin Yee, now aged 16. People may not be aware she is mentally retarded from her outward appearance. Sin Yee acquired the problem since childhood. Since her family had to work, she has all along been taken care of by her grandma. With a strong sense of rhythm, Sin Yee's potential was soon discovered by her teacher, who allowed her to become the drummer of the School band. According to Sin Yee, the care shown by both her grandma and her school has given her confidence to integrate into the society and learn to take care of herself. "Thanks to grandma, and thanks to my school", says Sin Yee.
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