If you can’t accept us for what we are, then you are not in. We have a child with special needs. I would love to say that just means me and my husband, who have both decided to weather the terrific storm of it all out after artful/awful means and considerations. However, just because we are in is no means our friends and family are in; now I know this. I get it. I would never choose us as the play group you are part of and involved with on a daily basis. We have issues, mainly my number one son. Not us so much, we are easy, breezy, and carefree, until it comes to number one so; at that point we are are uptight, worried, and upset. Because tht child tends to not go along with flow, requires constant attention, and supervision. We have a perpetual two year old. However, he is twelve and acts like sixteen, rude, obnoxious, and all around horrible. Luckily for us, we happen to have some friends and family who have stuck by us for years on end. They get it. They have read the books I asked them to read. They have explained to their children why my son is so different and very often appalling. They have supported me and my child over the last ten years. They have given their all to make us feel included and welcome even though I know it is difficult and a choice you make for your kids. It is the people, sometimes even family who choose to shun you and yours that make me sad. They just don’t get it. They don’t ask for books, and above all else, they do not want their child exposed to yours. Even if they say they support you. Maybe they do, but they don’t want to be around you. Clearly. The disease isn’t catching. But it sure feels like it when your own family is afraid.