Answer :
The statement that labels for "special" children can inhibit communication about their characteristics and needs is true, as labels influence self-concept and social interactions. Labels can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy and may be irrelevant over time, yet they can continue to affect the individual's self-esteem and societal interactions. Thus option A is correct.
Labels for "special" children can indeed inhibit communication about their symptoms, characteristics, and needs. The statement is true because labeling can lead to misdiagnosis and influence a child's self-concept. For example, a child mislabeled as learning disabled may develop a lack of confidence and encounter self-fulfilling prophecies, limiting themselves based on the expectations set by the label.
Moreover, as difficulties can change over time, the label might become irrelevant but still stick with the person, impacting their self-esteem and societal interactions. Given these concerns, while labels serve practical purposes in educational and support services, their usage and implications must be handled with care, keeping in mind the distinction between abnormal and normal behaviors in children.
