For “Autism” just read “Special”
The entry to Bethlehem through the separation wall from the road to Jerusalem We recently visited Jerusalem, but our return flight was cancelled due to snow at our return destination. As a result, we got to experience the inflight TV on Turkish Airlines as we came home via Istanbul. The TV is nearly all family friendly American programming. I was surprised how many of the family programs now include characters with “autism” and even one character discussing her own IEP (Individual Education Plan). None of these characters would have been diagnosed with anything back in the days I was in school. My 15-year-old son with classic autism has never had an IEP; it feels like I am his IEP, but I am not complaining. What I did find interesting was an episode in which, when confronted by a 10-year-old Aspie asking her annoying personal questions, a teenage cheerleader just said “oh, you’re one of those special kids”. Special is a nice way of saying different and nobody would think o...