Author Ryu Seung-yeon shared her story about her son with developmental disabilities.
On the broadcast of MBN 'Sokpuli Show Dongchimi' (hereinafter Dongchimi) on the 1st, a discussion took place on the theme of 'Born as a child, living as a parent.'
Former political reporter Ryu Seung-yeon noted, "The reason I became a writer is because of special children. I am a mother of twins raising a son with developmental disabilities and a daughter without disabilities. My son was born an hour late and suffered brain damage, resulting in developmental disabilities. There were many events. Because of my son, I left my job as a reporter and became a writer."
Ryu Seung-yeon said, "I became pregnant with fraternal twins through artificial insemination. I had a preterm birth. My daughter was born at 7 months, and my son could not come out immediately. An hour later, my son was born, but he was not breathing and had brain hemorrhaging, resulting in brain damage. That is why it is speculated that he has developmental disabilities. I thought he might just be a bit slower than his sister. At first, I thought it was developmental delay. We started treatment when he was 13 months old. The gap with his sister gradually widened. He was diagnosed with developmental disabilities around 4 to 5 years old."
Ryu Seung-yeon added, "My son is in his first year of high school, but I still have to help him eat. I also have to take care of his toilet needs. He hasn't spoken a word yet. For the rest of my life, I will have to do caregiving labor as if I am raising a baby. He was out of diapers when he was in the 6th grade. I refer to those three years as hell."
She remarked, "While raising two children, I took them to therapy sessions. People around me applaud me for sacrificing for my children. I thought, at this rate, I will end up on the news, so I entrusted the children to my mother-in-law. I went to a psychiatrist. Through the process of psychoanalysis, I realized that my pain was not solely due to my son. I had to hold on to the cosplay to receive rewards. Power also arises in family relationships."
Finally, author Ryu Seung-yeon earnestly urged people not to look at children with disabilities and their families with pity, but to treat them with a more hopeful attitude.
[Photo] MBN 'Sokpuli Show Dongchimi'
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