The Unspoken Hurt Exclusion May Cause

It is not unknown that children with special needs can draw attention onto themselves, often these children may not have the capacity to self advocate or defend themselves. Lila is wheelchair bound, nonverbal with a variety of needs including: being dependent on adults, enteral nutrition, medication administration, etc. These needs may naturally cause curiosity. Most adults may have a filter (unfortunately I have met a small handful who do not and are abundantly rude), but other children do not.

Children often speak their minds without filters, driven by their innate curiosity and innocence. It's crucial that we instill in our children the importance of inclusivity and acceptance. It's essential to help them understand that, even when another child has a disability, their words can have a profound impact. Just because someone is disabled doesn't mean they can't hear or comprehend what's being said; in fact, those words can be deeply hurtful, and their disability may limit their ability to express the pain they feel.

In my own family, I've encountered situations where close personal relationships were affected. While I won't delve into specific details, there have been instances where requests were made to exclude Lila because of her challenges in controlling her volume, needing adaptations, and seeking acceptance.This has deeply hurt me as a mother, as all I want is for my children to be accepted and loved, unconditionally.

For me, it holds immense significance to address exclusion and judgment through the transformative force of education. Although it might begin with a children's book, my ultimate goal is to extend this message to individuals of all ages. Acquiring this book carries profound meaning, as it has given me the confidence that our community and others are genuinely dedicated to educating and advocating for those who are vulnerable and often unheard.