Thread by @MattJDever

@AndreaHorwath you made a comment about autism finding in the middle of your answer to violence in schools. This is unacceptable. The association keeps the stigma going & it’s factually wrong. #Autistics are way more likely to be the victims in school than the doers. /1

We have been continually fighting for #AutismAcceptance and the understanding that our kids need acceptance & support in schools. Educators need to be trained & supported by programs like @ECHOAutismON that uses a multi-discipline approach to build capacity in educators. /2

Our kids need universal design classrooms where their educational & sensory needs are met. Where they aren’t siloed into “special education” and away from regular classrooms. This exclusion & segregation chips away over time & can effect their mental health. /3

We need to build an education system that is inclusion first. Where we accommodate all kids needs and provide the supports that educators need to do this. Small class sizes are helpful. /4

So, please @AndreaHorwath step back & acknowledge that what you said tonight, as misplaced as it was trying to attack the PCs on a different important point, it was hurtful to #Autistics, our families & our community. We need #AutismAcceptance. Thanks.