Parents of special needs children

[Canuck223]

Just curious, but how many of you with special needs children get them out with you to the range? How have they taken to shooting? Did anyone have anything but a positive feedback from the other members?

My daughter is 9 years old has Downs, and recently escorted me to an indoor IPSC match with mom in tow. She had a hoot as a spectator. Later on, she'll probably join her brothers for 1-1 shooting with the .22lr rifle.

[High Lord Gomer]

My oldest step-son is mildly mentally handicapped. He's now 25 and has a full-time job at Walmart and shares an apartment with his 19 year old brother. He's raced motocross since he wa 12 and is very safe doing that. We tried driving but he didn't have the capacity to analyze the volume of input coming at him and predict the possible outcomes. He had no problem physically controlling the car, he just couldn't handle the unexpected situations properly.

One day while driving, the van in front of us started to veer off the road and almost hit the curb. Danny never slowed down or tried to give himself more room. When I asked him, he said he saw the van about to hit the curb but that he was the right distance behind him. I would worry that if a kid climbed over the berm while he was shooting that he might continue thinking that he was shooting in the proper direction.

I also don't believe he would ever be capable of making the decisions necessary to own or carry a gun and I don't want to give him that false hope by getting him started.

[mwx40x40]

Just curious, but how many of you with special needs children get them out with you to the range? How have they taken to shooting? Did anyone have anything but a positive feedback from the other members?

My daughter is 9 years old has Downs, and recently escorted me to an indoor IPSC match with mom in tow. She had a hoot as a spectator. Later on, she'll probably join her brothers for 1-1 shooting with the .22lr rifle.

I too , have a daughter with Downs. She has gone to the Trap field and pulled for me, and enjoyed that. But, she has no interest in shooting as she does not like the noise.I always have her wear plugs and muffs when we go. Even if she did like it, I don't think I would ever introduce to her to actually shooting. If I did it would have to be under strict supervision. Keep in mind Downs varies greatly , from very mild intellect to severe. My daughter is high functioning, and considered mild.

I do know one thing . We are very blessed to have her and she is the joy of my life. Everybody that meets her can't help but fall in love with her.

[Kingman]

My little brother has downs, he goes with dad pretty much all winter to the indoor .22 league. He does not shoot just watches and enjoys the camaraderie of the guys there.

[Micah]

Intervention Specialist chiming in:

For a person with Downs, the sights and sounds of shooting (assuming that they have a positive first response to it) can be quite magical! I think it is awesome that you are including your daughter in your hobby. She will feed off your excitement and want to experience it herself.

Many, MANY persons with disabilities have become quite successful in a sport that they love. Teach her the 4 laws of firearm handling and take it from there.