I’ve decided that one size does NOT fit all. Since we are unique individuals, communities and countries, it doesn’t favour us to think that something that works for someone else will work the same for us. That goes for therapies, educational programmes, and social services. I encourage everyone to think waaaaay outside the box, because our kids are anything BUT standard. Instead of governments trying to normalise their approach, they should celebrate (and fund) diversity instead. Each community has its own strengths and skills, and can create programmes that utilise these to the fullest. If you think how languages develop their own quirky accents and jargon, it would seem strange to have government regulation or policy regarding how we sounded when we spoke or what phrases we used. Our interactions are dynamic, ever-changing and alive, and how we teach our children should reflect this. I think schools should mirror the philosophies of the neighbourhoods that they exist in, and be encouraged to start charter schools or trial new programmes. They would need funds and support for this. The more choices we have, the better chance we have to find what matches our own needs.
