Journal of Pediatrics & Child Care
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Letter to Editor
Studies Abroad of Adolescents with Special Needs or Disabilities
Jargin SV*
People’s Friendship University of Russia, Russian Federation, Russia
*Address for Correspondence: Dr. Jargin SV, People’s Friendship University of Russia, Russian
Federation, Clementovski per 6-82, 115184 Moscow, Russia, Tel: 7 495 9516788; Email: sjargin@mail.ru
Submission: 30 September, 2021;
Accepted: 20 October, 2021;
Published: 25 October, 2021
Copyright: © 2021 Jargin SV. This is an open access article distributed
under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits
unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided
the original work is properly cited.
The case history [1] is interesting and thought-provoking. Indeed,
studies abroad may be favorable for adolescents with communication
abnormalities because the abnormalities are less conspicuous as the
person is not typical just because he or she comes from a foreign
country, due to the language barrier etc. In a foreign environment,
persons with certain disabilities may be devoid of stigma and selfstigma
at least temporarily [2,3]. Individuals with intellectual
disabilities express interest in the opportunity to travel. Skills
acquired abroad may help in future studies and work. Parents whose
adult children with intellectual disabilities went on group holidays
reported that upon return the children had greater confidence,
decision-making and communication skills [4,5]. Indications should
be worked out: which disabilities would benefit from studies or work
abroad. A review of literature and further studies are needed. We
have limited positive experience with communication abnormalities,
autistic traits and/or alcohol-related problems [6]. The latter may be
alleviated in non-drinking cultural settings. The clinical characteristic
of Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (epilepsy) is insufficient in [1]. Was
there a genetic predisposition? The following citations from the article
[1]should be commented. “Not many adolescents with or without
disabilities have the opportunity to travel to find an environment that
provides them opportunities to develop the necessary skills for social
and occupational participation. Therefore, the results of this study
cannot be generalized to all families with adolescents and young
adults with disabilities”[1]. If indications would be formulated, it can
be proposed to organize programs facilitating education access for
students with intellectual disabilities [4] including targeted exchange
for language or cultural studies abroad for adolescents with special
needs. Furthermore: “In the US… there are a lot of cliques” while in
the Republic of Korea the participant “Al” was a representative of her
country. The “sisterly friendship”, “safe and friendly environment”
were noticed; “Peers in Korea made positive comments on how
beautiful she was” etc. [1]. Apparently, these observations have been
related to the fact that Al was a “young American” as per the title
of the paper [1]. The attitude may change if she stays abroad longer
and the environment gain more insight. Al pointed out positive
experiences in Korea: “She perceived and described peers in Korea” as
“more welcoming, caring and incredibly social than American peers;” “It feels really great to have a countless number of friends who really
care and look out for you, unlike people in the States” [1]. Potential
mechanisms and causes explaining why the girl had such impressions
are not analyzed. As there is neither comparison with similar cases nor
with the literature, the message may be subjective. For example, it is
hard to believe that “In United States, the opportunities for kids who
have learning challenges to experience college life are very limited”
[1]. The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence not for
everybody but for certain individuals for special reasons. Among the
reasons of “xenophily” may be a disability but also affiliation with a
certain minority [6]. This is important for an objective presentation.