Reflections

I was once thanked for being "human". Until a recent family vacation, perhaps, I didn't understand what a compliment that was. Over the course of five days, my only role was traveler. I wasn't a school administrator, a former teacher or even a connected educator. Nearly no one I interacted with knew much more about me than what my boarding pass or reservation might list. I was just a visitor. Over the course of those five days, I had to rely on help from others including strangers.  I've grown used to being in the role of helper but was suddenly seeing tables turned. I hadn't planned on needing help or reaching out but did, had to.  I became violently ill (food poisoning!) while on vacation and no amount of positive thinking on my part was helping the symptoms. The University Medical Center in Las Vegas became a stop on my sights to see itinerary. I'm thankful for the ER nurses that helped, the patient doctor, one security guard, and the Lyft driver t...

A guest post by Erin McMahon, M.S., BCBA, LBA and Mom Dear Sweet Girl, Thank you for being my child. You completed our family, made me a mother of two. You changed who I am and how I see the world- how I see other kids and how I view education. You inspire me. I wouldn't have ordered a kid with autism if I had the choice seven long years ago. I wouldn't order anyone who wasn't you now. I existed pretty cluelessly in the neurotypical world. Things are easier there, or at least more predictable. And I love predictable- making lists, planning everything, following the rules. Except the rules didn't work with you. With your sister, the warning of a time out would curb any thought of “bad” behavior but with you this respected and recommended strategy was a joke. I doubted my abilities as your parent. I went to see your pediatrician, an older man who listened and told me to set firmer boundaries and lay down the law. You vetoed that law. You were a mystery,...

In many schools, this time of year is the start of annual review season for students with IEPs (Individualized Educational Programs) . It can also be the time when students begin to show some difficulty in current placements and teams grow justifiably concerned about supports. The difficulties can be for a variety of reasons but I'm finding that some of the phrases I hear (occasionally) about student decisions are similar and it's causing me pause. I am not new to the field of special education. I will fully admit that I bring some past practice, history and maybe even baggage to the position. I am that person that believes in 100 chances for kids. I fully admit that it can be easier for me to believe in so many chances as I am not the one assigned to support that child directly day to day, minute to minute. I am, however, assigned to advocate for that child...and all of the others. This is a responsibility I don't take lightly. Instead of hearing at the onset of how...