Ethan and Khloe
Content Warning: These stories are about violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation and may include references to suicide or self-harming behaviours. They may contain graphic descriptions and strong language and may be distressing. Some narratives may be about First Nations people who have passed away. If you need support, please see Contact & support.
Khloe’s son Ethan attends a mainstream public school where he is in grade 4. Since grade 2, Ethan has been suspended 10 times. He has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and anxiety.
‘He has been suspended from school for reasons associated with his disabilities,’ Khloe told the Royal Commission.
‘I believe he has been discriminated against as the schools expect him to respond like a neurotypical child would, and he simply can’t … his behaviour is frequently seen as purposely naughty and defiant.’
Khloe has tried to explain to Ethan’s principal and teachers that her son can’t help some of his behaviours, but she hasn’t been able to make them understand.
She hopes that in the future people diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can be recognised as having a disability.
‘I hope my son can make it through school and his teen years without any more harm to his mental health.’
Disclaimer: This is the story of a person who shared their personal experience with the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability through a submission or private session. The names in this story are pseudonyms. The person who shared this experience was not a witness and their account is not evidence. They did not take an oath or affirmation before providing the story. Nothing in this story constitutes a finding of the Royal Commission. Any views expressed are those of the person who shared their experience, not of the Royal Commission.