Handle With Care

requires a full understanding of their
experiences. Bennett emphasizes her
commitment to advocating for the neurodivergent
community and a more inclusive
school environment.
“As a neurotypical person, I do not
want to make assumptions about a
group I do not personally identify with,”
Bennett said. “Truly, the goal is to not
change [a neurodivergent] person, but
to educate them about the social world
so they know how to better navigate it.”
Bennett stresses the importance of
allyship between neurotypical and neurodivergent
individuals to build equal
opportunities across the spectrum.
Citing her own goal to attend college,
Lamba believes others should not create
assumptions based on her ADHD.
“I’m still open-hearted and kind,”
Lamba said. “I have a lot of empathy
towards people. Even though I’m diagnosed
with ADHD, I won’t let other
people look down on me and say that I
Like Lamba, Partin also underscores
a collective responsibility to look past
each other as peers and classmates.
Ultimately, Partin stands by acceptance,
urging the Stevenson community to
uplift the voices of neurodivergent students
like her.
“It doesn’t matter who you are or
where you’re coming from—everybody
is still human,” Partin said. “We should
accept people for the way they are.”
*Name changed to protect anonymity
Above: A student at one of the Exceptional
facilities uses an eye gaze system to test the
charge in batteries to practice job skills. The
ELC also sponsors a store where students sell
candles, jewelry and home decorations to
gain more work experience.
member of Animal Welfare Club, Rhode enjoys
the Community Based Instruction trips he
takes to the zoo and local farms as a
special education student.
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