April 21, 2018, Andalusia (AL) Start—News: Autism awareness: Local program is hyper-focused on early intervention https://www.andalusiastarnews.com/2018/04/21/autism-awareness-local-program-is-hyper-focused-on-early-intervention/ … ACS District Administrator Sonja Hines previously worked as the system’s special education coordinator. Twenty years ago, she said, the system had seven students on the spectrum. This year, there are 30, and educators are working to develop individual education plans for four more students who are being evaluated. … “We have Dr. Meade come and give assessments as well,” Hines said. “She’s got a realistic point of view. And you’ve got to be realistic. Parents are usually still in denial, and she’s really good with them.”… As the system has added more Pre-K classes, it’s been easier to put young children identified with autism with typical peers. … The biggest challenge for many on the autism spectrum, Cross said, is an inability to communicate. …
Childhood Lost
Children today are noticeably different from previous generations, and the proof is in the news coverage we see every day. This site shows you what’s happening in schools around the world. Children are increasingly disabled and chronically ill, and the education system has to accommodate them. Things we've long associated with autism, like sensory issues, repetitive behaviors, anxiety and lack of social skills, are now problems affecting mainstream students. Blame is predictably placed on bad parenting (otherwise known as trauma from home).
Addressing mental health needs is as important as academics for modern educators. This is an unrecognized disaster. The stories here are about children who can’t learn or behave like children have always been expected to. What childhood has become is a chilling portent for the future of mankind.