The recent issue of Newsweek magazine (March 9, 2009) had an excellent article under the section "My Turn". These articles are written by non-reporters on issues of concern to the writer; and which has a bearing on wider society. The current article written by Stephanie Lindsley is entitled "Autism and Education - Who should we focus on - my disabled son or my gifted girl?"
This thoughtful article is by a loving mother of both children. She brings to light the challenges to prioritize in a parent, the education system, society and the government. Currently this priority may be a direct reversal of how things were done perhaps a century ago. For those goanetters who do not have access to the article, here is a summary. The younger son suffers from "severe autism". In school he attends some classes with regular children. During this time and the rest of the day, he receives help from a one on one "intervention specialist". Under the government's 'Disability Act' and the 'No Child Left Behind Act', the autistic child gets all the focus. This is backed by 24.5 billion (billion) in funding. The school system has all attention devoted to her autistic child, including services she can demand and can appeal if denied. Her older gifted daughter spends most of her time (except for 3 hours a week) with kids of her age including the autistic ad disabled children. The government funding for gifted children in 7.5 million (million) through the "Gifted and Talented Students Education Program." The mother / author states, "It pains me to suggest taking some the federal money designated for my disabled son and spending it on my over-performing daughter. My son will probably meet minimum standards. ..... but most parents of autistic children will succeed with basic skills like bathing themselves and living semi-independently. .... My daughter if given a fraction of the customized education that my son receives, could perhaps prevent the worldwide flu pandemic, invent a new form of non-polluting transportation, or even discover a cure for autism." To me this is one of the challenges of today's society. I have shared this article with many of my staff. What surprised me is that, while most see the irony of our priority, a majority think we / USA have resources to do both. A minority, perhaps with disabled kids of their own, think the mother is selfish, with wanting to take away resources from her disabled son. I personally give the mother much applause. In her challenging time, she is able to see the "big picture". That is what I find wanting in the modern world. We sometimes ignore the (everlasting ) forest for the individual tree. The same may apply to circumstances in Goa. Regards, GL
