I find it problematic that society as a whole tries to "normalize" everyone and fit people into molds where they don't belong. Especially with kids. Whenever I research autism or Asperger's or Tourette's (yes, I research neurological conditions all the time, I find them fascinating), it seems like a lot of the stuff is geared towards kids with these conditions. And the whole public school structure just isn't right for these kids. I mean, when you're a kid in school, everyone tries to shape who you are and normalize you. No matter who you are. I think that's one of the reasons so many kids (neurotypical or not) have problems. They don't let you be who you are, you have to be what they want you to be or you get in trouble. They require you to follow the same curriculum, and if you're not so great at one subject, they punish you for it and spend more effort trying to help you improve your weak areas than develop your strong areas. And there are such strict codes for behavior, plus all the social rules. It's like being trapped in a room where the walls are closing in on you, and the more you try to escape, the faster the walls come in until you're squished with nowhere to go.
At least as you get older, people loosen up. I look forward to getting old, because people tolerate eccentric old people much more than eccentric kids. When you're in school, people call you "weird," and parents and teachers try to steer you in a more normalized direction. But when you're old, people see you more as a charming eccentric, I guess. I'm not thrilled with the idea of people expecting me to be a grownup now, but at least there's a lot less pressure to be squished into the mold society seems to want me to be.
Ok, that's enough. I've probably bored most of the people reading this to tears, even though I posted it as more of an outlet to get the thoughts out of my head.
Also, AWESOMEST CAT LADY EVER!
