I have posted a new article at the Special Needs Children website:
Multiple Births and Childhood Disability http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art60818.asp It is virtually impossible not be be aware of the controversies surrounding the birth of octuplets to Nadya Suleman in January, 2009, with the assistance of a fertility clinic in California.
Families of children with special needs have become alarmed by the cutting remarks, anger, and hateful attitudes of some in the media and online who have made ugly comments about the extra expense of supporting children with special education and support needs due to developmental delays and disabilities, chronic health conditions or other risks involved with multiple or premature births.
It is reported that three of Ms. Suleman's previous six children have special needs, including a three year old who is said to have autism.
Families raising children with special needs and other advocates point out that the cost of public education is not reported in news stories as a cost of raising mainstream children, and that children with special needs deserve and have the legal right to accommodations, opportunities and support in public schools.
Those responsible for our current economic crisis are not children with special needs and the spotlight should be moved right back on CEOs and bankers who are still rewarding themselves with bonuses and lavish lifestyles without any regulation or concern about what their decisions cost the middle class, small businesses and families.
Pam W
SE of Seattle