Parents of Children with Special Needs Have Needs, Too | Debra Vines | TEDxOakParkSalon

When Debra's son was born, little was known about what we now refer to as “the spectrum.” She began searching for answers in her under-resourced community but found none. Instead, she found a coping mechanism that changed her life forever. Debra's TEDx Talk takes us through her quest for answers and how her love for her son drove Debra to make a difference in her community. Debra Vines comes to us from Maywood, Illinois. In 2007, Debra founded The Answer Incorporated, a nonprofit organization that filled a void that was painfully absent when Debra needed her own answers. The Answer Inc helps parents and caregivers of people with disabilities navigate systems of social services and academic institutions. Debra is passionate about creating change in the lives of persons with Autism and other disabilities. She says her greatest accomplishment has been witnessing families she has aided reach milestones that were once unobtainable. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@theoriginaldazza]

God gave me and my wife a special little boy. Special needs parents make sacrifices that most others cannot even fathom. We don’t get take vacations like most families. We spend $2k on diapers a year instead. Joy is what you make of it and romance is a struggle, but we keep moving forward no matter the cost of how we feel. Our feelings take a back seat to our families needs. In the end our sacrifices are about the family…not our individual desires. You make do with what you have to work with.

[@christinaharrington7328]

You're a good man.

[@keepgoodcompany1279]

This. I have wealthy family members who fly multiple times a year to Europe. We drive old cars and pay for occupational therapy instead. It’s hard not to compare, but you said it so perfectly. Our daughter is our gift from God, but it is beyond tough.

[@jjewelxo]

Your Child Dr Can Write You A Script To Receive Continence Products For Free Through Medicaid

[@saras9327]

Great father I respect you❤

[@Chick4Biden2024]

I have a 10 y.o. (asd, intellectual dis) it feels overwhelming. Stop telling parents it gets easier because we don't need another person telling us, we need solutions and answers. You get tougher, and your child makes milestones and regressions. Progress is hard, and it's not linear, but you are so very proud of how far you've come (child/family). It's not easier, you just learn how to fight for your child, yourself, and another day.

[@ladylondon6287]

I share your sentiment. We need answers, support, a way to care for these disabled children while maintaining income to keep a roof over our heads. It's getting to be several times a week that I feel I don't want to wake up anymore...like I don't care about life itself. This is not living. I have done all that I can to care for my disabled child. I'm tired...so tired

[@Chick4Biden2024]

@ladylondon6287 I wish I could tell you it gets better. I know how that feels, and I rarely say that to people, but I really do. You feel undeen, you feel bone deep exhaustion and hopeless. every day is a grind. Exactly how you said it is an excerpt from my mind, too. Please don't give up. It's a hard nightmare. I think knowing there are other people who feel the same and yeah, it's absolutely INSANE! We do it because we love, we love our kids even at our own mental detriment. I want you to know your words deeply affected me because that's what I carry in me everyday and it's not usual to hear someone else say it. You're not alone, and I see you. Carefully vet the professionals who are serving your child because many are just in it for a paycheck and don't care. You know what's best.

[@lilmissjoodypoody]

As a mother who had a late diagnosis of ASD & ADHD along with my existing depression, anxiety and cPTSD with a child with ASD, ADHD and severe anxiety… I feel beyond depleted. I am sick of the endless BEGGING for support from family, friends, schools, medical professionals and the community. I am sick of feeling alone, burned out, exhausted and wanting a way out of this, while combating mum guilt (coz it’s not our kids’ fault that their world isn’t made for them, made for me). But I just want one easy day, or an easy week. Just a break for myself, to not constantly needing to battle every system and every institution just to fight for my kid’s fundamental rights. I feel like such a failure for not being able to keep her safe, psychologically safe. I wish I could feel whole by homeschooling her, by being the only one to care for her, but I can’t even care for myself. And it doesn’t get easier. I don’t know what those parents are talking about, but I know that they never had to conquer the invisible challenges that we did. 😞

[@kimberlydrakeowens5599]

Well said. Here in North Carolina for 18 yrs. now I have dealt with unnecessary games and obstructions making things harder. My son is almost 26 yrs. old , Blind with Autism and other disabilities and completely dependent on me for all his needs .I am a single Mom and his full -time caregiver but this is not considered work because I he is my child so instead of allowing programs in this State that other States have to help financially I am labeled unemployed which excludes us from having so many things we need as a family. Even S.S.I. is ridiculous especially considering the cost of living here. I have a 19 yr. old in college as well and although I have been single here in North Carolina for decades we are sometimes treated as if we are still tethered to my abusive coercively controlling ex or stuck an invasive creepy THEOCRACY.

[@Age_Of_Aquarius84]

Single mum to an autistic 3 year old boy who is non-verbal and mostly whines/cries/screams at me. I have no support from my family and a small handful of friends who have their own kids/lives to cater to. It's rough. I work a full-time job and I'm constantly tired. There are no days off. I can't afford a sitter, so we just push through one day at a time.

[@sumitra4199]

Thank you for this! It's almost impossible for people to understand this life

[@tacoblvdlv]

Stay strong!! You are not alone!

[@arclcs]

Scrubbed poop carpets for 3 xs a week 4 yrs struggled with autism and nonverbal being left by my partner while he married a rich woman. Horrible story but our sons story is getting better and same screaming it’s literally a nightmare and sweet at first.

[@optimistsofnineelms]

I hope that new wife is paying you child support!

[@arclcs]

@@optimistsofnineelms she's not

[@arclcs]

She's the bread winner and he's working for her. Isn't that sweet

[@shabrethajennings7291]

@@optimistsofnineelms Lmao 😂😂😂 we could only hope

[@florastewart7957]

Take him to court.

[@ngawikishortland-paraha8727]

As an educator in special needs I take my hat off to all you parents here in the comments who love and support your children everyday and that even though it shouldnt effect your day to day life as a normal human you do it because you love them ♡ i love my job and especially the parents who remind us how much they love us for working here but you as the parent are the real mvp. Your babies will test you the hardest out of anyone that enters their lives and its never your fault, educators have hard days but at the end of the day we dont have to be the ones catering to the children 24/7 theres not enough respect i could give to a parent of special needs because its lifestyle that not anyone could do, so thank yous for always trying for them

[@user-gd3ln4dj1c]

Thank you. You brought mr to tears. It’s so rare to get respect from a professional…

[@annmarieknapp]

Really happy to hear this Ted talk. I'm a single parent of a profoundly disabled autistic child and my parenting experience was absolutely cruel and brutal. I love my child more than life itself and would give up my life for him in half a nanosecond. But, I couldn't cure him and ran out of energy, patience, and hope. I kept hearing that he'll talk next year, oh okay, next year, until he just didn't. He does say, "Mom," and it's become his version of "I am Groot," meaning the way he says Mom tells me his mood or experience at the time he is having it. I am grateful he doesn't call anyone else "Mom," though. I feel like I failed him, because I could not cure him. He lives in a 24 hour care facility and I visit him as much as I can. I've begged him for forgiveness that I couldn't help him have a normal life. And, I'm grateful for the kindness I see in his eyes. If I had any idea, I never would have become a parent. He deserved better. I'm a strong person, but living like that in a prison at home, broke me. Just now beginning to forgive myself for not being the super hero I arrogantly thought I could be.

[@dkdebate6535]

Don’t beat yourself up. We all do what we think is right. Just because we are home with our children don’t make us any better, we all trying what we think works.

[@user-gd3ln4dj1c]

You did not fail your child. You gave it your all. Him saying “mom” only to you is his only way to show you love as well! I had to wait for 24 years before I got a spontaneous hug. It lasted for about 2.5 seconds but it was enough to forget all the former years of abuse by him. It is tough. Lots of love from the Netherlands ❤️🙏🏻

[@ernestoraices4158]

Life could gets really dark for the parents

[@kesimayers7155]

Thank you very much. I specifically researched this because I have a daughter with unknown disabilities and I feel very powerless and I’m losing myself in her sickness.

[@tacoblvdlv]

You are not alone! Stay strong!!!

[@jessiejane189]

I am going through this right now because I have a son who will be 15 next month and I am finding it hard to take care of him and his disabilities are also unknown and I feel like I am having a nervous breakdown

[@kesimayers7155]

@@jessiejane189 oh my goodness I am sorry you’re going through this Jessie Jane. I hope things get better. What helps me is that I get professional help. Like therapy and even medication to help with temporary anxiety. I don’t know if you agree with that but my thinking about it is to put yourself first so you have enough to give. I am far from being better or the best mom but this really helps me. Not knowing things are very stressful. We are all here for you to talk to. I am sure all the other parents have a lot to say about this too.

[@mahtazdin]

Me 2:(

[@ladylondon6287]

What can we do...living with special needs children consumes your life. I am looking for answers. How do you maintain work and avoid eviction with special needs children? Advise is welcomed and needed. Thanks a Million

[@jamiepowersmsmed8787]

I love this. I am a special needs mother who used it to benefit the classrooms in Texas public schools, mothers, and future of sweet babies. Thank you for sharing your story. I am now using it as a clinical mental health counseling graduate student to conduct groups for special needs mothers like you and I so that I continue to give back to blessings God chose me to take on. I pray for your heart, and each person's who reads this. May you always know that you are not alone in your journey and that your baby is exactly as he or she should be.

[@BarbaraFlood-ru9hn]

Thank you for such a beautiful response to this webinar. I was required to watch it for my special education credential. The depth of knowledge and resources for parents is most helpful. I can't wait to fill my contact sheet! Sometimes we watch youtube videos that bring us to tears. Reading your response was even more emotional. My faith teaches that our Creator has ultimate control and that special needs children are not a product of a "Lesser God," in truth, all our children are made in His image and likeness. We may not understand this biblical fact, but we most certainly must see Our Creator in all God's children. For those of us who parent, teach, counsel, and guide, we are also created to do His Work, we are called to it. I can think of nothing more meaningful than serving our Lord and His children with the same love that created them.

[@mahtazdin]

I feel like I have no support 😕 no help. No one knows how to help.

[@ranellbeauty]

Wow, thank you for sharing your story. It's very important to me to hear stories from other families with a child with special needs. I'm a single mom of 2 and have raised my special needs son on my own since birth, he's almost 17 years old now. I always felt I should share my experiences with others to help them cope and know there are others that understand the daily life of a special family.

[@ladylondon6287]

What can we do...living with special needs children consumes your life. I am looking for answers. How do you maintain work and avoid eviction with special needs children. Advise is welcomed and needed. Thanks a Million.

[@frazzlette2243]

Your story would be an inspiration to us! Kudos to you for raising that child by yourself!

[@dominiquegordon8813]

Thank you. My 2yr old non-verbal autistic son has led me here. May God continue to amaze us with our children and may God do exceedingly and abundantly above all we could ask or think. Amen🙌🙏

[@Real18800]

My little buddy is 6 now still nonverbal for the most part

[@ladylondon6287]

What can we do...living with special needs children consumes your life. I am looking for answers. How do you maintain work and avoid eviction with special needs children. Advise is welcomed and needed. Thanks a Million.

[@dominiquegordon8813]

@@ladylondon6287 trying working from home virtually at night while your kiddo is asleep. Breathe and write down a plan you got this mama. Sending hugs💕

[@ladylondon6287]

@@dominiquegordon8813 any work at home leads you can forward

[@aliyahadaanni]

Where can we go when we need to talk ,when we need a shoulder ,when it's all too much ?

[@SereneMoss]

i have this right now, parents disowned us, now I handle him alone for 5 years now. and I'm half dead

[@tacoblvdlv]

You are not alone!! Stay strong!!!

[@healingandhappy9262]

Omg this is so real and sad! I'm so sad and it so draining half dead is such a true statement. I'm sorry that any of us are going through this!

[@iesha3703]

Autism mommy here ✋ I respect and appreciate you and applaud you for sharing your story and making sure that others can relate and just feel comfort and feel some relief. I feel same things as a parent of a intellectually disabled child. I at times feel like I just am failing him even though he's in services and I just feel like I could just die. I never have energy and I'm always judged and misunderstood and am told by others that "everyone has problems" that I should "discipline my child more" that he is "just spoiled" thank you for this video because this is what I needed right now I am currently going through a breakdown and I needed something to just decompress me. I hope you continue to improve and that the world can change for our precious children we have to continue to learn and keep them safe.

[@parentshavespecialneedstoo2022]

Your vulnerability is so empowering! Thank you for sharing your story.

[@ivanrasic2256]

God with your guidance as one we will change the sphere touching this world 🙏🏼

[@tanw.5149]

May I Please connect with this beautiful mom. 🙏❤️ Her story is really speaking my language

[@vbarrero]

I watch this video with tears in my eyes… I feel so vulnerable, reached rock bottom, feel so lonely in this journey being a father of a child with special needs. Thank you for sharing your journey, praying one day I can heal emotionally.

[@ladylondon6287]

What can we do...living with special needs children consumes your life. I am looking for answers. How do you maintain work and avoid eviction with special needs children. Advise is welcomed and needed. Thanks a Million.

[@lilmissjoodypoody]

I hear you. I feel so depleted too. So so burned out. And it never ends. It’s like choosing between the child we love more than the world itself or our sanity. There isn’t enough support for us to do everything we have to do without dying inside.

[@tanw.5149]

I'm up video watching need to be sleep thank you God for a community of mom's like me

[@frazzlette2243]

Thank you for sharing your story. It takes a special person to be able to see themselves as broken. You did that, rolled up your sleeves and took your life back. Your son is truly blessed to have you as his Mom.

[@kiaraharris826]

I resonate with this so much it brought me to tears the first 5mins. I’ve given up my career as result of having to care for my daughter full time. Now that she is in school I’m not sure how to get back out into the real world 😢 i wish everyone understood what life is like raising a child with a developmental disability. It’s one of the most rewarding, overwhelming underpaid job you’ll ever have

[@minnerminful]

Absolutely my mom deserves the world having too deal with me and my sibling

[@dvines0627]

Thank you

[@Real18800]

The strength it takes for this woman to speak like this to the public on the internet.

[@barbarapickett5492]

POWERFUL REAL LIFE STORY AND HELP UNDERSTANDING REAL LIFE NEEDS!! THANKS FOR SHARING 💫REAL LIFE 💫

[@leroynisse5936]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. It is very encouraging to hear other's struggles and how they work through them. You have been a help to me!

[@cherylejackson5860]

What a powerful story and what a powerful advocate you are for families grappling with Autism. I am proud to know you and call you friend.

[@dvines0627]

Thank you my Mentor

[@arleacharoberts7202]

Wow-What an impactful story!!! Said with such grace, honesty, and 100% Realness!!! Thank You

[@christinacalo8394]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I have a special needs son with Autism and ADHD and at times it is extremely hard. I always thank God for blessing me with such a special child. He makes me push myself every day to be better and more patient.

[@kathleenkallman104]

God’s Blessing on you sweet Lady!

[@arclcs]

I lost faith too especially with rewarding a no good father to a rich wife plus special needs beautiful boy

[@virginiarush8541]

Lisa continue being the awesome mother you are. That ex-husband of yours will definitely not escape God Almighty on judgement day, if he doesn't truly repent. There is nothing easy about your life at this moment, but continue to walk in faith and rely on our Lord Jesus Christ, and he will make your path easier. It's extremely stressful caring for a special needs child, but I know God has me, you and many others in this situation. It's mandatory that we as mothers stay prayed up over our children, so please don't lose your faith. Jesus Christ is truly all we have in this life; he is the only one who will never leave you. Please stay in faith and release all bitterness towards anyone who has wronged you, so as to receive all that God wants for you and your son.🙏❤️

[@arclcs]

@@virginiarush8541 you are not lying about the word mandatory the hit deep thank you, my ex choked me while pregnant and he's living his absolute best life.

[@Snap_Pix_Media]

Seems like you're more concerned with your ex rich wife than your child

[@LeanneLouiseMusic]

This is so brave! ❤ thank you ❤

[@jasminrangel448]

Thanks for sharing. This is a very hard life we live.

[@ourfightagainstdmd9661]

Thank you 🙏

[@ericacapron9613]

Thank you for this! Nothing like someone who knows your pain!

[@dlbdlb358]

Amazing strength and courage to share this

[@fabioortiz7729]

Just so incredibly powerful… ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@andrewcombe8907]

Dad of a disabled son here. The stress and pressure of a disabled child destroyed our marriage. I love my son and wife and non disabled child. I used to struggle for air I was so stressed. Now I miss him and my family like oxygen. Parents and siblings of children with special needs must have support by way of individual counseling, financial advice and marriage counseling.

[@michelledebari2836]

I hope your Jason is doing well. This life is hard and yes support is minimal. I have had similar functional experience. Bless you and your family.

[@aggal9288]

Thank you for sharing, it is exactly what parents feel. Congratulations to you, you succeed! I wish you a lot of happiness ❤

[@lamb11764]

Wow! I’m blown away by your awesomeness & I 13:09 connected, I’m heartbroken & heart-warmed & hopeful in restoration. & less alone. Thank you so very much. God bless y’al💜🙏🏻💜

[@giseledutroc5689]

Omg thank you . Here in France it is very difficult

[@chrisissun]

powerful people, I learned so much from mother nature and loving people with disabilities, the world its so mysterious anymore, stop running away from mother nature-she is everywhere, HER LOVE

[@yeneneshtessema3784]

i am preparing to do the same like you Wow you strong i realte most of the things you shared i am proud of you . i am crying when i listen n to you . i dont know how i am able to talk about my son with out tears. thank you sister thank you

[@jenniferbryan295]

Thank you for sharing. I'm working with a Ministry called The Maker's Child. We provide a Friday night respit once a month for special needs families. I'm just learning about these Amazing kids, and families. I can not imagine how hard it is to raise these children. God Bless you!!

[@shevonmixon6009]

Single mom to an autistic adhd 8 year old girl . Man I am tired tired tired feel like just giving up .

[@dkdebate6535]

I hear you girl. I am single mom in South Africa with an 11year old autistic and ADHD boy. I don’t know how I continue everyday but I do. I feel burned out now but I know it’s temporary.

[@belindablue4211]

🗣Wow…What an Amazing, Inspiring Story! So very proud of you. James 1:2-3 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. You have persevered, My Friend. Wishing you continued success! Much Love, BLB💕

[@yeneneshtessema3784]

May i please connect with this Mum she sounds like me i need her plese

[@arclcs]

You’re lucky you had your partner

[@crismarieb6275]

My 4 year old son was diagnosed with autism last year, I have a lot guilt for not getting him diagnosed sooner. I feel like I caused his autism because I neglected him somehow because I was overwhelmed I felt stuck the pandemic had just started. I was isolated and working from home and taking care of him now I’m just trying to figure this all out. I had to quit my job because I was burnt out.

[@oliviaperryman8622]

Please don’t blame yourself. You are loved and you are the perfect mum for your child.

[@mthompson5383]

💓

[@macaronipartynaptime]

Autism is something you’re born with. You don’t develop it. He would’ve have been autistic no matter how you raised him.

[@nazanbaykanprofessional]

I wonder what about cerebral visual impairment. Most reactions she describes overlapps

[@martinignaciodefeo9235]

Holy shizzle... I thought she was the mother of Daonte Williams from Love after Lockup.

[@YoshiXO]

Literally struggling with this. And I don’t want my babe either and it was high risk. I should’ve got rid of it

[@forrestgreenwood3723]

🙏🙏🙏

[@mrskellta4684]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@anifatarmamad2144]

Sou Mae de down syndrome de 19 anos..... E nao e facil.... Sinto me Cansada.. Nao tenho tempo pa nada..... E agressivo Mas ta na medicacao e ajuda muito... Ja nao tem as crises..... Deus ajude k a medicacao consiga controlar lhe..... Alguma Mae de down syndrome por favor k seja agressivo.... Alguma solucao?? 😢😢

[@michaelmorse4405]

esp only flows if u have ethics standards principles why sf are only electrical field im magnetic field mi6

[@Bobi-kw5ec]

Barely have the energy to live….to survive

[@tarawollak8784]

I share your dream! There is s much I want to say....I too know what it is like to raise a child with special needs as a single parent. I have so much to say on this subject, but have some big ideas. If interested, lets colaborate! I was going to share my story here with you, but youtube deleted my message as the next video popped up and I wasn't don sharing my story. I think it is so very very important to give parents of children with disabilities a way to get support. So little support is out there. I hope that if we work together we can find a way to help others avoid the overwhelming feeling of nothing we do is enough to help our kids, and our needs don't matter...and instead teach those parents self-care, a way to decompress, and refresh, without losing the ability to support our kids. Feel free to reach out to me, but I think you are onto a great idea, and collectively can help many many more parents, so they can be their best selves for their kids.

[@Tiffany-zi3cq]

What ideas do you have?!

[@shahinasupriti8404]

I don't like to express my disappointment just because my kid is a special need. I love to take care of her no matter what. I enjoy every moment with my daughter. I want to see her happy and it doesn't matter if she can't function as normal as we are. How do you define normal in this 3D planet? Take it easy and don't humiliate your special need kids by sharing your frustration in media and above all shedding tears. They are blessing in your life like just like your other normal child. Just share your happy journey with them. Having kids itself a challenging for a parent. Sometimes normal children cause more trouble than special child. So why picking on them? I don't like those parents.

[@michaelmorse4405]

my brain cells are even outside my brain with sodium with the parallel from drinking from Euphrates and tigres river with bleach oorah

[@YoshiXO]

I don’t want to sacrifice.. you had a husband. You had help.

[@Jessica-gk5tt]

You need to hush because this woman is speaking the truth for so many of us special needs moms and I applaud she decided to be an advocate for the parents and do what she can to help others

[@Jessica-gk5tt]

And the way you say I don't wanna sacrifice speaks volumes about you you should of had an abortion then my dear because the minute you decided to carry that baby to term and be it's mommy you should of known you are now second priority to yourself I'm not saying we as mother's shouldn't make ourselves priority but we better make sure the first one is taken care of first

[@peachyreen4550]

Support is everything. EVERYTHING. I’m not judging her. I started out fighting, swinging for my son. Finished college but never got to do anything with the degree because my son’s father left 6 months after his diagnosis. I’ve been doing this alone for 13 years. I don’t have anyone that wants to be with my son. To love him more than once in a blue moon. He has no friends. My mother, who is used to her freedom and the comfort of her own home and husband comes by once for a few hours every few months. I sacrificed. I was willing to sacrifice. All those hours of therapy and IEP meetings and money spent on legal aid. All the of the emotional despair I got to bear alone. I told myself, this will be worth it. I’m not giving up. Until I ran dry. Empty. Didn’t take care of my own mental health. And because my son didn’t get better, didn’t progress or change shows that effort doesn’t equal success. All the hope and optimism in the world didn’t save him or me. Because I was alone. Support is everything. You have someone going through this by your side & allowing you time to breath and care for yourself is EVERYTHING

[@meazy451]

What sucks is that some of these parents push for their special needs kids to be placed in general pop classrooms where they wreak havoc and are an unbelievable distraction for students who are there to learn. Special needs students need to be in a classroom on their own apart from normal students.

[@BecBee]

I asked for my son to be in a special needs class but the school psychologist said no. It's so hard knowing he's struggling and the other kids think he's weird. I hate it

[@meazy451]

@@BecBee yeah I feel bad for both your situation and the kids that have to be subjected to this type of disruption. It's been my experience that school psychologists are pressured to push special needs into general ed. The only way this will change is if other parents start pushing back which generally doesn't happen because they're not even aware of what is going on in the first place.

[@hairscience1016]

@@BecBee Hi I'm a mother of a daughter who is multiple delayed an age has an I E.P!! Does your child have one?an I E.P is a must for disabled children as the education can place your child any where it wishes...An I.E.P is plant that is formulated by psychologist outside of school,plus doctors disguises an given series if test to see ..where the child falls in accordance to his age how far behind is he or she comprehension wise!! An I E.P is a legal document in which they have to adhere to .. They can't do what the feel the have to give the child all relates service's in accordance to the Child's I.E.P which stands for individual education program ..my daughters I E P is very intensive the school psychologist has no power when an I. E.P is in place ..An special need education advocates are available in every state in the US.....my Daughter has had an I E.P since the age of 4 she is know 18 an it stays with her for the rest of her life an updated once a year to adjust being there's any changes that need to be added..It's a lot to write! I hope this helps it's a process to have these things in place but it makes everything easier...It gives you an your child power an assurance that what he needs is being provided. .

[@BecBee]

@@hairscience1016 thank you so much for writing so much to me it makes me really feel heard! Yes he has an IEP, but I'm new to all this an learning our rights. He is 8 years old and in 2nd grade

[@nobbigztif]

The idea of inclusion is for more acceptance in the gen pop for people who have learning differences or physical disabilities - and a disability is something that can happen to anyone at any time… a little understanding and compassion would go far for people who want to be accepted for who they are and not live with stigma.