Special Kids Need Ordinary Consideration, Too

I'm sure you've heard about Alex Barton, the boy whose teacher allowed a class vote to decide whether or not he could stay in his classroom after they each spoke of something he did that they didn't like? The little boy who is undergoing assessments that may place him on the autism spectrum? The little boy who was subsequently kicked out of that classroom? 

 

It outrages me that this teacher did this. Shame on you, teacher. 

How does this educate children about our inherent worth, all of us? About the importance of inclusion, compassion, and understanding? How does this promote any sort of awareness about differences or nurture curiosity and critical thinking, in the true sense of the word and not in thinking critically about kids that are different, kids whose neurological differences can sometimes result in challenging behavior? 

While I was fuming about this injustice, Barbara at Mommy Life was busy coming up with a brilliant idea. Go here to read about it. 

Fluffy and I are going to make our cards and plop them in the mail tomorrow. Won't you consider doing the same? 

Special kids like my son may often need extraordinary consideration but they always need ordinary consideration. And this is a case where ordinary consideration was disregarded. Who the hell would do this to ANY kid?

Comments

[Michelle O'Neil]

I'll post something about this card campaign Kyra. Thanks for the heads up.

[delilah]

This story sickens me. How anybody could treat any child like that is beyond me.

[drama mama]

Like everyone else, this sickens me - but my God, is Barbara's idea brilliant.

We're on this. Glittery hearts and cursive curls - my girls want in.

[Marla]

It is a sad story. I am very anxious to hear what more, if anything the investigation reveals.

[Jenn (aspergertopia)]

I can't believe that! To be treated like that...to treat someone like that. A 5 year old boy for God's sake. That is just heartbreaking. We will be making cards tomorrow.

[amy]

I don't understand how this isn't considered emotional abuse, and how that teacher still has a job. Nobody deserves to be treated like that. I went through hell at school in fifth grade, and I would swear to this day that the teacher--an absolutely miserable specimen--took pleasure in seeing children suffer at the hands of other children.

[camerashymomma]

this breaks my heart. river and i are sending him a card. thanks for posting this.