Teach8ng Everyone one needs love, special kids.

I did query it Fanny.

Exactly Joseann
This post is equivalent to spam really

In light of recent events regarding the exclusion of a child with autism from attending a school trip and a child with Down Syndrome being expelled from dance class
I don't believe this. In a world where Downs Syndrome kids are used as models for H&M, River Island, JoJo Maman, JD Sports etc etc. invclusivity is well highlighted. No one needs to be "taught" this.

That (not very well written) post is all over FB.

I’m guessing that it originated from the US.

I’ve no idea whether the anecdotes are true, I can’t imagine a child with DS being ‘expelled’ from a dance school in this country.

In my experience of being a teacher of children with SEN, I think that such children are treated and taught better than ever in mainstream schools.

It’s not perfect, but I know that teachers, TAs (in particular) and other school staff work very hard, and inclusivity is always of great importance.

Teachers are well trained in teaching children with SEND, and they have lots and lots of CPD about SEND and inclusivity.

Small children are very accepting which is lovely as are the majority of other parents but often as these children grow up they get quite isolated as teenagers form friendship groups which very rarely include anybody who is a bit different.

When they reach adulthood they can become even more excluded because they are no longer “cute kids” but grown ups who act and sometimes look different. That’s why you often see a middle aged couple walking around with an adult child tagging on.

So it’s not just about teaching your small kids to be kind to kids with special needs but take it on to the next stage and be kind to teens and adults too.

My friend has a daughter with Down’s syndrome who has held down a job for about 15 years but it has come to light recently that another older employee has been bullying her for a couple of years but she didn’t tell anybody. Only various quite serious health problems and anxiety brought this to light. He was close to retirement so now he has gone she is back at work and well again.

As the grandparent of an autistic grandchild I totally agree. When you see the happiness and enjoyment of a child who so often is on the outside brought into a group or activity with others it is wonderful. Maybe they won't always be able to keep up quite so well, maybe it has to be for a shorter amount of time before they become overwhelmed but to feel they have been included, and more importantly accepted can make such a difference.