Hi to all. Meanmom, I was a special needs teacher for 27 years. Our aides were given some training before working with children like that. Sorry you have had such a rough time. Hope it gets better for you. Children like the one you described are very challenging to work with, but when you do reach them it can be very rewarding. Be good to yourself this weekend. I can remember times when I counted down the days, but can also remember years that were really good. The thing about working with special ed children in public schools is that you never know who is going to walk through the door and change the whole dinamic of the class. Glad you took the time to vent. Be well.