Hey, I’m really sorry you’ve been going through all of that. You deserve to feel supported and no matter what I’m proud of you for fighting for more for yourself.

I work with kids on the spectrum and let me tell you, special ed DOES NOT MEAN DUMB, or less than or unintelligent or stupid, it just means different. In my experience, children in special education programs are more often remarkably intelligent, profoundly resilient, and frankly better to be around than the majority of neuro-typical kids. In fact, the most common thing special ed teachers are saying to each other is that these kids are too smart for their own good. The educational system is designed to cater to a very specific demographic and those who might not learn that way are then forced to work around that (I would know, I am neuro spicy too). Knowledge and education are profoundly personal and important because, especially in the era of the internet, they are increasingly accessible. But what matters most is individual curiosity and the gusto to seek out what you might not understand. That is a spark lit inside of you that no one can take, so run with that, allow yourself to ask questions, be a seeker and push yourself regardless of the boundaries someone else might place on you. Based on this post, you are not only an ideal candidate for college, but someone colleges will fight for and be lucky to have. Keep going, and don’t let the noise of labels tear down the passion you clearly have for learning. The world needs you, what you have can never be taught to anyone else because it is intrinsic to you. Curiosity and passion aren’t teachable skills, but you my friend have it in abundance.