Accessible Education for Gremlin
Donation protected
TL;DR
Help an lgbtq+ autistic teen with learning disabilities as well as significant mental health challenges access an education that can accommodate them and meet their complex needs.
Gremlin's Journey
A little over a year ago, my husband Jacob and I very unexpectedly ended up with guardianship of a young, non-binary, autistic teenager, Gremlin* (they/them). Due to a number of traumatic childhood experiences, Gremlin struggles with C-PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, and severe Anxiety.
School has been a particularly difficult challenge for Gremlin. In their previous school system, Gremlin was bullied *severely* for their gender identity and pronouns. In 6th grade, they even ended up in the hospital with a concussion after being attacked in the bathroom. Needless to say, they have a lot of trauma related to school specifically. In addition to the social challenges, Gremlin also has a severe math learning disability, significant learning gaps due to numerous interuptions in their education, and other learning challenges.
Because of their past experiences Gremlin has been unable to attend a traditional public school. We tried Georgia Cyber Academy, but that was not a good fit either. Gremlin struggles to learn effectively using virtual/remote schooling options. They needed something different, so I set out to find it. After an exhaustive 6-month search of hitting dead end after dead end, we found Fusion Academy.
At Fusion Academy, the classes are 1-on-1 and personalized to each student in both pace and approach. They frequently work with students who have learning disabilities. Administration and teachers are kind and relatable. The community is super LGBTQIA+ friendly. The school is very small, while still providing ample opportunities for students to socialize with their peers and make friends. Homework is completed in the Homework Cafe each day, with teachers available to help students organize and keep up with their work. Fusion Academy’s individually tailored approach to academics will be particularly valuable for filling Gremlin’s educational gaps, helping them get caught up and prepared for high school.
In other words, Fusion Academy is everything they need. The only problem is tuition. After working with the school to bring down the cost as much as possible, we are still looking at a $40,000 tuition bill for this year. We were able to take out an initial school loan in order for Gremlin to get started at Fusion Academy, but we are going to need community support to help us make those payments and cover the remaining tuition balance. That’s where you come in. Any amount you are able to donate is greatly appreciated. Every little bit makes a difference.
Gremlin is one of the coolest people I’ve ever known. They are creative, funny, kind-hearted, incredibly witty, and such an honor to have in our lives. It breaks my heart that this amazing kid has gone through so much in their 14 short years. For Gremlin, school is associated primarily with violence and trauma. But with your help, we can change that. Gremlin deserves an education that is accessible to them. So let’s make it happen.
Thank you so much for all of your love and support,
Tori, Jacob, and Gremlin
*Gremlin is our affectionate nickname for this child. We are using it here instead of their real name in order to protect their privacy.
Help an lgbtq+ autistic teen with learning disabilities as well as significant mental health challenges access an education that can accommodate them and meet their complex needs.
Gremlin's Journey
A little over a year ago, my husband Jacob and I very unexpectedly ended up with guardianship of a young, non-binary, autistic teenager, Gremlin* (they/them). Due to a number of traumatic childhood experiences, Gremlin struggles with C-PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, and severe Anxiety.
School has been a particularly difficult challenge for Gremlin. In their previous school system, Gremlin was bullied *severely* for their gender identity and pronouns. In 6th grade, they even ended up in the hospital with a concussion after being attacked in the bathroom. Needless to say, they have a lot of trauma related to school specifically. In addition to the social challenges, Gremlin also has a severe math learning disability, significant learning gaps due to numerous interuptions in their education, and other learning challenges.
Because of their past experiences Gremlin has been unable to attend a traditional public school. We tried Georgia Cyber Academy, but that was not a good fit either. Gremlin struggles to learn effectively using virtual/remote schooling options. They needed something different, so I set out to find it. After an exhaustive 6-month search of hitting dead end after dead end, we found Fusion Academy.
At Fusion Academy, the classes are 1-on-1 and personalized to each student in both pace and approach. They frequently work with students who have learning disabilities. Administration and teachers are kind and relatable. The community is super LGBTQIA+ friendly. The school is very small, while still providing ample opportunities for students to socialize with their peers and make friends. Homework is completed in the Homework Cafe each day, with teachers available to help students organize and keep up with their work. Fusion Academy’s individually tailored approach to academics will be particularly valuable for filling Gremlin’s educational gaps, helping them get caught up and prepared for high school.
In other words, Fusion Academy is everything they need. The only problem is tuition. After working with the school to bring down the cost as much as possible, we are still looking at a $40,000 tuition bill for this year. We were able to take out an initial school loan in order for Gremlin to get started at Fusion Academy, but we are going to need community support to help us make those payments and cover the remaining tuition balance. That’s where you come in. Any amount you are able to donate is greatly appreciated. Every little bit makes a difference.
Gremlin is one of the coolest people I’ve ever known. They are creative, funny, kind-hearted, incredibly witty, and such an honor to have in our lives. It breaks my heart that this amazing kid has gone through so much in their 14 short years. For Gremlin, school is associated primarily with violence and trauma. But with your help, we can change that. Gremlin deserves an education that is accessible to them. So let’s make it happen.
Thank you so much for all of your love and support,
Tori, Jacob, and Gremlin
*Gremlin is our affectionate nickname for this child. We are using it here instead of their real name in order to protect their privacy.
Organizer
Tori Langemoore
Organizer
Decatur, GA