Are you familiar with albinism? If not, have you ever seen someone whose skin and hair are pale white or very light? Well, this condition is known as albinism. The general public often calls it albino.
Albinism is a disorder in the production of melanin in the body. A person with this condition has white, pale, or very light skin. It should be underlined that if not treated properly, in some cases albinism can cause mental problems in sufferers.
Someone who suffers from this condition may experience stress or become an inferior person. Because albinism can make sufferers feel inferior because they see themselves as different.
So, how do you increase the self-confidence of children with albinism?
1. Teach Him How to Accept Albinism
As explained in children with albinism often feel tremendous pressure from the people around them. In fact, in some cases they often become victims of bullying. Well, this condition will trigger mental problems in them.
Well, how to increase the self-confidence of children with albinism or minimize the rejection of identity from within the child, parents must help the little one to be able to accept the albino condition as a whole. Speak in a language that is easy for the child to understand. Mom or dad can also ask for help from experts, such as pediatricians or psychologists.
In fact, it is not only parents, people around the child, such as their friends, must also help the child, so that they can accept albinism in themselves.
Apart from being able to increase self-confidence, this method is considered to be able to make children feel more accepted by the wider community, especially their friends and family.
2. Avoid the word “Albino”
In addition to the above, how to increase the self-confidence of children with albinism can also be done with this tip, namely avoiding the use of the word “albino”. What is the reason? Because the word “albino” is often used to offend the sufferer. Well, this is what can later offend the child’s feelings.
In addition, many experts consider that the use of the term “albino child” is considered inhumane to call someone with this condition. Although it seems a bit complicated, try replacing it with the term “child with albinism”. This term is believed to be more humane and acceptable to children with this condition.
3. Give yourself knowledge about albinism
Finally, how to increase the self-confidence of children with albinism can also be by providing them with various information about albinism. For example, educating your little one about the symptoms of albinism or special self-care. Useful information like this can make them more confident when socializing with others.
Melanin Problems Due to Genetic Mutations
Albinism occurs when there is a genetic defect in the body. This genetic defect makes the body unable to produce or distribute melanin. In fact, melanin plays a role in giving color to the skin, hair, and eyes. It needs to be emphasized that this genetic defect can be passed down from parents to their children.
Albinism itself consists of several forms. The most severe form of albinism is called oculocutaneous albinism. People with this type of albinism have white or pink hair, skin, and irises. In addition, they generally have vision problems.
There is also another type of albinism, namely ocular albinism type 1 (OA1). This albino can experience eye problems. However, the color of the skin and eyes is usually still normal. However, when examined more deeply, the eyes of this albino show no coloring behind the eye (retina).
Finally, there is Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS), another form of albinism caused by a single gene change. People with HPS can also experience bleeding disorders, and lung, kidney, and intestinal disease. Want to know more about how to increase the self-confidence of children with albinism? Or have other health complaints?