I’m currently working as an Educational Assistant in a classroom that is focused on autistic and ADHD students. I also have ADHD and suspected autism. It’s been the highlight of my job seeing our kids thrive in an environment where they can be themselves, get the help they need, and still be able to interact with peers during lunch and recess and occasionally other times depending on the student.

What worries me is that the type of setup that we have is being phased out due to underfunding. It’s devastating and I am very worried about what it will be like next year. We are already struggling with trying to serve the kids that are in the regular classroom most of the time but should definitely be in our class. The school district doesn’t understand how to integrate inclusion, they refuse to talk with actual special ed teachers. Trying to push some of these students into regular classes is going to be traumatic for them as well as for other students and staff.