Why I Love The “Students With An IEP Grew Up To Be” Trend

Have you heard of this trend? 

It started on TikTok last year. I have no idea who started it, but I’m glad that they did. It’s incredible on so many levels.

This trend starts with “Student with an IEP that grew up to be…” with people showing their accomplishments. But, you might be wondering what an IEP is and why it matters so much. 

An IEP stands for Individualized Education Program (IEP),  a written statement for a student eligible for special education that is developed, reviewed, and revised in accordance with state and federal laws. The IEP guides a student’s learning while in special education. It describes the time a student will spend receiving special education or related services, as well as the academic/behavioral goals and expectations for the year.

Like millions of other kids with disabilities, I had an IEP throughout my entire time in school. At my last IEP meeting, a job coach said the two jobs I would be best suited for were a Walmart greeter or a job in a sheltered workshop. But I’m glad I didn’t do either of those things, knowing they weren’t for me.

Others feel the same way. This “IEP Kids Grew Up To Be” trend shows that what people told us we would be when we grow up isn’t necessarily true. People sharing this trend have shown themselves working as doctors, teachers, and other professions we were never told we could do.

I had an IEP, and I grew up to be a strong disability advocate.

Being part of a national disability-rights organization board, I have been recognized for my work in that space.  I am a writer who writes articles about my experience and disability. PBS Kids reached out to me to cover multiple stories pieces on one of their shows featuring an autistic character. I’ve also written a book and founded a group in my community that I led for 10 years. And last year, I got my first paid part-time job as a social media outreach specialist for a nonprofit organization in my state.  

This is why this trend is so important. It matters because it says, “Look at me; look at what I’ve become. Even though I had this growing up, it doesn’t define me. I do.” 

My biggest takeaway from this trend is not to judge someone for having an IEP in school. You don’t know what they will become as adults. 

It shows society, especially our school system and parents, that all children can succeed. Yes, your child or a child may require an IEP now, but that shouldn’t define them. It shouldn’t tell you what a child is or isn’t capable of when they grow up. Truthfully, no one knows.  
Don’t judge an IEP, or the person that has one. Just because they had one when they were little doesn’t mean you can predict what they’ll do when they grow up. In fact, you may be surprised when you see what they end up doing as adults.

Photo by Santi Vedrí on Unsplash