Sure, we may pop up in a patient-of-the-week storyline here, a Very Special Episode there, periodic news or reality programs, but surely the time has come for some mainstream TV shows that really shine a spotlight on the challenges of children with special needs, their families, and their schools. Here's a lighthearted list of ten I'd tune in to. What would you add?
1. Law and Order: FBA
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A crack team of school psychologists perform Functional Behavioral Assessments to get to the root of classroom crises.
2. Shot in the Dark
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Two mothers' differing opinions on the safety and necessity of vaccines inject conflict into their neighborhood. Jenny McCarthy and Amanda Peet costar.
3. K12/RN
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A fearless school nurse must be ever ready with insulin and epinephrine injectors and Ritalin and lice combs to ensure the well-being of her young charges.
4. CSI:IEP
Image by Terri Mauro
Investigators check the scenes of crimes against IDEA, recreating meetings in which rights have been violated and neglect becomes criminal.
5. Home
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A spin-off from House follows a home healthcare worker who assists parents with their children's medical special needs.
6. Dead Letter
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A private investigator seeks out insurance paperwork that mysteriously never gets where it's supposed to be going.
7. Extreme Makeover: School Edition
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Ty Pennington and crew construct completely functional state-of-the-art inclusion programs in schools unclear on the concept.
8. Quirky Offbeat Funny
Photo by Terri Mauro
Drama from the creators of Dirty Sexy Money follows different degrees of autism spectrum disorder over several generations of one eccentric family.
9. Supermarket Weep
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In a variation on the game show Supermarket Sweep, contestants must make their selections while dealing with a tantruming child.
10. 240
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A visit to a pediatrician's waiting room plays out in real time. Not really 240 hours, but it sure feels that way.
