Great Expectations

A few weeks ago, the editors at www.SpecialNeeds.com asked me to write a guest post.  And when anyone asks me to write anything, it's a pretty big deal for me.  And this guest post was inspired by my fabulous FB AutismWonderland community.  


For those that know me IRL know that we've been going through some stuff.  It hasn't been easy.  I'd like it to be over.  I'd like some peace of mind.


Being a Special Needs Parent means you rely on a lot of people - strangers, really - to help you with your kid.   For the most part, you have strangers helping you make decisions about your child.  Because our children - special needs children - are not entitled to the best.  They are only entitled to the "appropriate."  


But "appropriate" means different things to different people.  And the Special Education in New York City is run like a business.  


And our children are viewed as expenses.  


And many of the teachers and special educators are required to pick a side.  


And like in any other business, in order to get ahead, you need to side with The Boss.  


And siding with The Boss, means you have to forget about the children and families who rely on you.  


The thing is - Special Needs Parents don't expect you to take sides.  We expect you to do the right thing.  If you're a Special Needs Professional you may think my guest post - Great Expectations - is too much to ask for.  But for us,  for Special Needs Parents, it's pretty basic.