I'm sorry. I just have to do this. Actually, I'm not sorry at all. Here's the deal. I'm cranky about something, and because I know I'm not the only one that's dealt with this particular situation, I'm going to open my big mouth and put it out there. Here it is. Guess what, people? Just because my child can walk and talk, that doesn't mean that he is less deserving of accommodations than anyone else. He's not neurotypical enough to be deemed mainstream, and not special needs enough to make him worthy of notice? Well, I have a few things to say about it.
Every child matters. Every. Single. One. Whether neurotypical, nonverbal, Downs Syndrome, epileptic, autistic, celiac, gluten intolerant, severely allergic, black, white, green, or orange with little pink polka dots. Every. Child. Matters. And every parent will fight for what their child needs, because this is what parents do. Do not tell me we are less than, because he's only 5 and I haven't had to dress him or bathe him every day for 20 years. I know you have, and I can only imagine it. But I respect you. And your child. I learn from you and value your opinion. Do not tell me we are less than because your child started speaking at 9 months old and was reading his own stories to himself by 18 months. I know he did. I am thrilled for you, and to be completely honest, I'm quite a bit jealous. I respect you, and learn from you and value your opinion. I know my child could barely say Momma and was still learning to walk when he was 2. But he's my child. And he matters. Just as yours does.
When did this become a contest? WHY did this become a contest? Seriously, people. Can't we all just get along? It's not. a. contest. It's our children. We are ALL in different situations. We are supposed to be able to lean on each other, consult with each other, gather support from each other. And the petty bullshit (yes.. I just said a naughty word. I'm that irritated) isn't helping anyone.
I get enough of the fight every year when we register for school. I get enough of the "prove I have to accommodate your child in any way, shape, or form" from the school district. I don't need it in other places I go as well. I visit these places (online) either in a professional capacity or for support. And trotting out that "less than" crap is wearing me out.
Okay. That's all. I don't have any solutions here. I just had to blow off some steam. In the words of my good friend Eeyore, "Thanks for listening".
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