Catherine Cramer

Testimony in support of HB-121FN I am a social worker and parent to a bright, funny, energetic 5 year old who has a diagnosis of ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder. When he was first diagnosed, I was devastated. I worried about whether he would live a "normal life," if he would ever make friends. I lived in a city at the time, so it was easy to seek out other neurodiverse families. We went to “sensory hours” at museums, and special sensory indoor playgrounds. The community we found was a lifeline for us. We met incredible kids who were thriving in spite of an educational system- and world- designed for neurotypical people. The parents I met have incredible determination, drive and energy to help neurodiverse kids overcome challenges and share their gifts with the world. They have taught me parenting resources and tools that have been invaluable. It can be easier for some parents to take these suggestions from peers than from educators. There is the sense that these tools are “tried and tested.” Perhaps most significantly, connecting with other neurodiverse families breaks down stigma that can be associated with diagnoses and paves the way for hope and support. We now live in Hanover, which- being more rural- does not have the same resources for connecting with other neurodiverse families. It has been difficult for our family to meet other kids my son connects with and find community here. He has benefited from being in a resourced school district, but still struggles socially and is teased for his differences. I am strongly in support of legislation requiring schools to develop SEPACs because I know the power of families supporting other families. I know how hard we work to support our kids and how generous many of us are with our time and energy to help others. We want to help make schools more inclusive and bring some of the tools- like social emotional learning resources- that we have discovered to benefit all kids. We are an untapped, free resource for school systems that are stretched thin. I have a quote hanging on my wall that says “Dwell in Possibility.” Our family eats so much humble pie in the school yard, museums, pretty much any time we venture into crowds. My son loves big numbers and has an insatiable curiosity about the natural world and universe. Perhaps because he has been teased so much, he has a deep empathy for anyone who is sad. When we celebrate neurodiversity, connect families, and teach kids compassion for themselves and for others who are different we create stronger, healthier communities. Please pass HB-121 and help schools and families work together to support neurodiverse kids.