It also helps to be sure the teacher(s) and other students/families understand the child’s particular needs/issues if that’s relevant (like if the special need is a physical one, it helps to explain what the issue is and what classmates can do to understand, support and accept the child). It can help to share articles or other materials with the teachers, or even come in to talk to classes if that seems appropriate.

Depending upon the ages of the children, a lot of times children are much more accepting of others and differences than we are as we get older.

I have observed similar behavior in core classes, choirs, sewing, cooking, manufacturing, and art classes.

The more our special needs students are around the other students, the more “normal” and acceptable they are.