Special Needs Children...

I don't think there is (or should be?) a universal answer to this question--I think it's all about the competencies of the individual child in question, and the wishes/options of the parents involved. Just my thoughts on it. DR...

I am a parent of an autistic boy. I believe this is a case by case basis. I can see that my son and another little boy will not be able to participate in regular classes next year. They may not be able to for some time. I think my child should be in a classroom that is on his level and not be dumped into the mainstream. When these children are at the point that they know something is different about them they should not be put in with children that will make fun of them. I would love to see my child to the point that he could be mainstreamed. I am realistic in knowing that it won't be next year and I don't want anyone to pick on him. He's such a sweet child but he's big and I worry if someone picks on him that he will be able to hurt them even without meaning to. Someone can say come on let's fight and he will think it is a challenge not that someone wants to hurt him. This of course is my impression of the future.

I do have a son with CP, he is in regular school. I do not think they were prepared for the children when they started mainstreaming. I do think with alot of the hard work with the parents and the teachers and the schools, it has become much better. I have however, kept my son from going to classes that in no way could he do things. He goes to art, music, and things that he can participate in. Otherwise, he stays in his Special Ed. classroom, so that he can work on things at his level.

I teach in a dance school and we do have some. I have a boy with Autism in my class and his sister, who has Down's Syndrome is in another class. I have dealt with other special needs children throughout the years in dance.. Spina Bifida, Down's Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, etc. There is no reason why they should not be mainstreamed. They must live in the real world, and as long as we can address their needs, then I see it is good for them to do so.