I used to teach in special education environments. Specifically I&#x27;ve had experience with high to mid functioning kids on the autism spectrum in science and mathematics.<p>While I can appreciate the sentiments of folks that may find this sort of thing  recognizable because of those who are self-diagnosing across the Internet (which is not a new trend BTW), I&#x27;m inclined to believe this isn&#x27;t the appropriate forum for that.<p>I too thought this may have been something of less note or of the aforementioned tone until I got the opportunity to read the post in its entirety.<p>&gt; <i>The me that felt an overwhelming terror at the idea of travelling on the tube or getting into a lift. The me that didn’t claim child benefit for any one of my four children simply because the idea of filling in a form was too much.</i><p>&gt; <i>No one saw the me that would spend 14 hours straight, focused on a project, forgetting to dress. The me that felt an overwhelming terror at the idea of travelling on the tube or getting into a lift.</i><p>&gt; <i>I was told I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a rare genetic connective tissue disorder, which affects pretty much every part of my body, causing gastroparesis – where the digestive system simply shuts down – knees that dislocate and autonomic issues, including difficulty in regulating temperature and heart rate.</i><p>Having sat in on meetings where parents, and their children, are given the opportunity to identify with a particular condition, I can tell you that this is a profound experience, not to be taken lightly.<p>Being able to have a direction to go towards in identifying IEPs that may lead their child towards a different and more successful path in their lives doesn&#x27;t involved &quot;mixed feelings.&quot; This isn&#x27;t limited to education.<p>I have no doubt this is <i>profoundly</i> true for adults who have the capacity to discover and explore their own route toward their feelings of betterment and belonging in this world.