Developing personal identity through story telling

Everyone is an individual whether they are disabled or not. Children develop an identity from the moment they are born. The interaction of child and environment, together with the genetic inheritance of the child contribute to the development of personality. Children usually have a natural desire to become more independent as they grow. Many disabled children struggle to develop their personal identity because of factors such as over-protection and imposed limitations which can lead to learned helplessness. Research at Dundee has focussed on the interactive communication needs of children with severe expressive communication impairments. Communicating successfully is an essential tool for independence. It also allows the individual to develop self-image and hence a personal identity