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Because there's an emotional attachment, because you realise that, while the child may not be able to to enjoy the full range of what life has to offer, in the majority of cases the support and love that you have to offer will be better than the care offered by an institution. The momentary smile is quite rewarding.

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I get this, and I’m sure if my kid was in this situation I’d feel the same way. For all of the kids who aren’t mine though, I can see the other poster’s point. That’s just as much a part of being human as being attached to your own offspring.

In other words, I’m not going to stare, or look away from a disabled kid. I’m also not going to invest emotionally, or go out of my way to change how I think and act day in and out for them. If someone asks me for help, I’ll help, but they’re not likely to register for me otherwise. I won’t look away, but I also won’t look; disability doesn’t make me more or less invested in strangers.

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