Yeah, that's my experience too, now that you mention it... I had fun in
K-3rd grade, then it all went downhill. I'm REALLY surprised that it's not
changed, as I was one of the first to be "mainstreamed" (before it was
called that).

Dana and Gillis, the Wonder Service Dog
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http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Styx/5326

*********** REPLY SEPARATOR ***********

On 5/18/99, at 9:39 AM, Barry Ashby wrote:

>Dana,
>
>My 10 year old has a diagnosis of ADHD.  I have found that from
>Kendergarten to about 2nd or 3rd grade the children seem to be a little
>more willing to accept someone who is different.  By 4th grade, however,
>children are cruel to those who do not conform, this has been detrimental
>to his self-esteem.
>
>I am an active advocate for my children, especially in the areas of ADHD
>and CP.  However, I realize that any gains I am making with society will
>benefit future generations, but not necessarily my children.  I hope to
>continue to be an advocate and teach my children that they are also
>advocates. I feel it is vitally important to provide my children with
>strong, positive self-esteems by being with them when they encounter
>negative responses from the public.  I have found that by sending them
away
>to school for 6-8 hours a day I have lost that chance (dealing with
>something hours after it happened is not as effective).
>
>Thanks for validating my feelings.
>Kim