I have a friend who is developmentally challenged....

Dear Kids,

One of the kids at my school is developmentally challenged. He talks, acts, and eats differently than other kids. Some people at school make fun of him and do things to get him hi trouble. I am his friend, but some kids make fun of me, too, for being his friend. What should I do?

Ryan

I think you are very nice to see through his disabilities and find out who he really is. Some people think that they are cooler than other people if they make fun of them. Tell your other friends to try to get to know him before they pick on him.

Rachel

I used to have a friend like that. I told the other kids that she was just like them, but her brain worked differently Tell the kids at school that if they look beyond his difficulties, they might see he a very nice person. They would feel better about' themselves, and would help him feel better about himself.

Courtni

I think you should talk to your teacher and tell what the kids are doing to this boy. Your teacher could have a class discussion and ask the children how they would feel if someone picked on them. If that doesn't stop it, you could see a counselor and see if there is anything she can do.

Michael

See if you can get some of the popular kids in your school to be his friends. If you can do that, maybe the kids will stop picking on him. If that doesn't work, try talking to your school counselor.

Amanda

I suggest that uou just be yourself and not worry about what other people think. If you think someone is a good friend and other people don't, that's their problem. Stand up for your friends. If you say what you feel, then other people just might listen. if they still tease, just ignore them.

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