For once, some good news on the autistic front: Judge allows service dog in classroom

[liberalhistorian]

http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/news/national/article_5b6ac66b-a89a-5b4a-ae1b-ab3dd131a993.html

Having raised an aspie son, it's no surprise to me that the schools would balk at this and that they'd challenge the new Illinois law allowing service animals in schools; too many districts never miss an opportunity to punish ASD children for the least little things with no regard to their condition. Service animals can be especially beneficial for children and teens on the autistic spectrum, as they often have a special relationship with animals. I know for my son, his cat often kept him calm and focused. I often wished he could have taken the animal to school. Let's hope the schools back off on challenging this finally.

[Cronus Protagonist]

1. What about the people who are allergic to cats and or dogs?

Should they just stay home?

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

2. Ooohhh, boy.....

:popcorn:

[Massacure]

3. Aren't service dogs hypoallergenic? n/t

[liberalhistorian]

4. Yes, they are, for the most part. But there will

always be people who will find a reason not to accomodate those with disabilities, who are "different."

[Cronus Protagonist]

6. I don't have to look hard for such a "reason" as I have serious allergies

Apparently, people like myself are not worthy of your respect. You argue selectively when severe allergies are just as debilitating as some disabilities and you dismiss them perfunctorily with a glib general statement that is clearly loosely targeted and under-informed.

Do you enjoy grinding that axe?

[liberalhistorian]

8. If you want to call eighteen years of having to

constantly educate people and schools regarding my son's condition and advocate for him and others in his position so that they're not treated like dirt, dismissed outright or punished for every little thing even when he may not understand the reason for the punishment, and given the education he and they need and deserve, just like everyone else, to be "grinding an ax" go right the hell ahead. He and those with such conditions have as much right to a normal education as you do. Surely there must be some compromises and accomodations made from BOTH sides that would benefit both sides. While you shouldn't have to stay reclusive for fear of allergic attacks, neither should he and those with similar conditions. You're not any better or more important than he is.

[Cronus Protagonist]

5. ummm cats spread their saliva and dander over everything

A "hypoallergennic" animal is all a matter of relativity. Compared to the worst ones, some are a little better. Sit in a classroom with a cat all day, every day and the word "hypoallergenic" is a farce. I would have to leave the room after 20 minutes, "hypoallergenic" or not.

[pnwmom]

7. Not necessarily. The lab is a very common service dog that some people

are allergic to.

[liberalhistorian]

9. That may be true, but surely there are some

compromises and accomodations that can be made. I know it always seems to be those with autism, learning disabilities, etc., who are expected to suck it up and do without and not anyone else. That gets a little tiresome after awhile. That's why I was happy to read this.