The status quo is creating the suffering. Not neurodivergent children. I propose we bring our awareness and our research dollars to addressing that. And let’s let our children simply *be.*

There are so many things that would make things better for neurodivergent children. Things we already know about. Yet these are not being discussed, b/c to implement these changes would threaten the same status quo that my child threatens by being different. And our current leaders don’t want that.

I have no idea what our deluded leaders expect to learn or find in the coming months when it comes to neurodivergent children. But I sincerely doubt that it will relieve my suffering or that of the kids.

Overall, I find that my suffering comes from a context in which parents and teachers are not ever allowed to simply not know and be curious and offer loving acceptance in the face of children like mine, who defy the norm.

I feel frustrated sometimes when caring for a child for whom following the rules, sitting quietly, or attending to lessons does not come easily to him at school. But my suffering comes from doing this a context in which very young children are not allowed to move, go outside, be works in progress.

I feel emotionally tapped out sometimes from caring for a child who is prone to outbursts and meltdowns due to sensory challenges. But my suffering comes from doing this in a context in which caregivers are told that they are bad if they feel any emotions besides "calm, positive and in control."

I feel physically tired sometimes from caring for a very active child who struggles with impulse control. But my suffering comes from doing this in a context where mothers and teachers are told they should be able to do this 24/7 without help or breaks, vs being able to ask for support.