I volunteered from June to September this past year and I worked with children of all ages. All of the children I was working with had some form of cancer but several children also had learning and speech disabilities. There was one child with Autism and one with Down Syndrome that I had the pleasure of working with. I also volunteered at the Special Olympics of Maryland for 2 summers. I have never been paid to care for children with special needs but I have always been drawn to them. I think they are very special people and have such great spirits. They look at the world so differently and need someone who has patience and a kind heart. I was in before and after school care programs growing up and there was a boy who had Down Syndrome that I loved spending time with over the years. My sister and I have been living with asthma and I have cared for my sister who has lupus and type 1 bipolar disorder. I watch my nephew every other week and he has ADHD.