Direction to the Future—Kim Busi

Like many of us, I entered the world of 2e as a parent. It happened 10 years ago, when I was a practicing psychiatrist with a faculty appointment at the NYU School of Medicine, teaching and training psychiatry residents and medical students. Back then, my precocious 8-year-old had gone from a happy, engaged student in a rigorous bilingual school in Manhattan — one who loved to learn (in two languages) — to a child who became increasingly isolated and anxious. The school wanted him to stay, despite our growing concerns. (After all, he boosted their test scores!)

We found ourselves in the dilemma that all 2e parents face — making the choice between academics and support. We chose the promise of support of special education, and the result was all too familiar. As academics stalled to a standstill, my child’s sense of self-worth and self-esteem plummeted. If I chose support, why did this happen?