Serious allergies, disabilities, or special needs can seem like a major obstacle to living abroad. But before discounting a move abroad, consider your options.
Certain allergens are prevalent in some countries and much less common elsewhere (plant pollens vary enormously and staple foods vary just as much). Some cultures try to hide people with certain disabilities away from sight, but some countries have worked hard to make life easier for those in wheelchairs, or who are sight impaired.
Children with special educational needs (dyslexia, ADHD, giftedness, deafness) may have more opportunity to excel in a school system in a foreign country that is different to what is available where you are now. There may also be greater opportunity to seek medical and/or professional help if your child has ADHD or is dyslexic. If you are posted overseas by your company there may be an International School with an Enhancement Programme for your gifted child, or a Montessori School for your child who would do well in their child-centred environment.
The story of one Canadian family, who found out their young son was fatally allergic to peanuts while they were living in Hong Kong, is below. It illustrates how even with a fatal allergy it is still possible to live abroad. Mich Callan is working with Huw Francis to write a handbook for expatriate living and would love to hear from people and parents living abroad, or are planning to, with serious allergies, disabilities, or any special needs in their family. She can be contacted at: mich_callan@altavista.net
Living Abroad With a Fatal Peanut Allergy
Liam was born healthy and happy. Michelyne, his mother, returned to work as a University Admissions Tutor and Counselor and the family continued their happy life in Hong Kong for a year.
Then, while the family was on holiday in their native Canada, staying on a remote Indian reservation hours away from a hospital, Liam fell seriously ill. His head swelled up, he slipped into a coma and stayed unconscious for what seemed like hours.
Fortunately, Liam regained consciousness, without any permanent damage. A battery of tests determined every parent's worst nightmare. Liam suffered from a fatal allergy. It would not have been so devastating if he was allergic to something rare. But Liam was allergic to one of the most pervasive food ingredients of modern packaged food. The smallest, invisible quantity of peanut protein (42 thousandth of a single peanut) could kill him in seconds, if he ingested it. The tests also showed that Liam is allergic, fortunately to a lesser extent, to eggs, green beans and house dust mites.
