Head of the Class: Why Inclusion Isn't for Everyone

The debate over inclusion – the practice of placing students with special needs in mainstream classrooms – has been a longstanding one among educators and parents of neurodivergent children. On one hand, inclusion can offer numerous benefits to said students, such as improved social skills and access to the same educational opportunities as their neurotypical peers. However, inclusion not be the best fit for every student with special needs.

One of the biggest arguments in favor of inclusion is that it allows students with special needs to learn and grow in a natural social environment. This can help improve social skills and provide an opportunity to develop meaningful friendships with other students. Additionally, inclusion allows students with special needs to access the same curriculum and resources as their neurodivergent peers, which can help with academic progress and improve overall educational outcomes.

But inclusion isn't without potential risks. Some students with special needs may have difficulty keeping up with the pace of a mainstream classroom or require accommodations and supports that aren't always available in a mainstream classroom, making it difficult to fully participate in the educational experience and access curriculum.

Whether or not inclusion is the answer for your child, educational placements are not a one-size-fits-all solution. It's important for educators, paraprofessionals, outside specialists/advocates and parents to carefully consider the unique needs of each student and determine the best educational setting for them.