30/03/2026
Unpopular opinion?
We SHOULD be stepping on each other's toes. We SHOULD be finding ways to learn from each other as professionals and to work together (regardless of title or qualification). We SHOULD be holding each other accountable, especially when we are working with children and even more so when we are working within groups that deserve better advocacy.
When we as professionals try to “claim our space”, when we mark and protect our "territory" be it a specific school, area code or scope of practice, we are not acting in the best interest of our communities. We are inhibiting the professional growth of others, we are preventing children and families from accessing intervention.
We as individuals are not perfect. We cannot meet every need and we don't have the capacity to see every child. Sometimes we are just not the right fit- but no one else is allowed in the circle- so a child who could be doing better isn't. A family with financial constraints loses an opportunity to gain access to services.
If we occupy space in a way that scares other service providers away instead of bringing them in to collaborate, we not only prevent them from learning and growing, from and with us, we prevent families from having full access to what is available to them on a larger scale.
‼️ There is more than enough space for us as professionals in the arena of special needs, neurodiversity and learning and support needs. There is no shortage of struggling children, overwhelmed families and untrained educators. ‼️
By working together, as professionals, we not only have the opportunity to learn from one another but also to build a network to lean on, a sounding board for ideas and a platform for advocacy and reform. We have the opportunity to work together to build something that changes the way that children and families experience interventions and support, while also offering an opportunity to us as professionals to truly see each other as peers and value each other for the varied knowledge, perspective and experiences we bring to the table. This is how we meet the needs of our communities holistically.
So the question to ask ourselves becomes:
Am I taking up space so that I alone benefit or am I opening up a space where community needs are being met collaboratively and holistically?