I have been a private tutor in math, physics, and English for fifteen years now and I had several students with special needs. The thing that I have learned is that there is absolutely NO difference between them and other students. There are good ones and bad ones. I have seen kids with needs using those needs as an excuse to be mean to their teachers and parents and exploiting them, especially when they hit puberty. On the other side, I have met some amazing ones who are a true inspiration to mankind.
People seem to think that children with special needs are all good, nice, and sweet. That is a prejudice too and those kids do not like it at all. When they do something naughty or bad (even just to test the limits), most of them get mad when adults let it slide and ignore their wrongdoings. Psychologically, this sends a really bad message. Not only are they being taught that their actions have no consequences but they are being shown that their actions do not deserve any attention and/or respect.
Kids with special needs still have to have their primal needs met. That means treating them like any other child, with respect, love, support, and kindness but also with lessons on responsibility. I remember one girl told me that she does not want to learn because she does not have to, she has a disability so all doors will always be opened to her. Supporting that kind of thinking is, in my opinion, a wrong approach.
Thank you for sharing this post and opening such an important topic. Sorry for the post-like comment. Speechless is the best show I have seen on this topic because it is realistic, the kid is portrayed in an amazing way.
Great point! A kid with special needs isn't a cartoon character. They are people. Sometimes people mess up. All kids need to be held accountable. That is part of being treated equal.