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Ian Webb writes much that is interesting, indeed I could debate for hours as to whether the suggested differences between adults and children are that clear or a product of a lack of academic investigation of childhood. However, i want to comment on his views on labels. He suggests 'If this means using a label then as long as it is not offensive then lets do that.' In both 'special' and 'not special' schools there is a tension between attributing labells to children so that resourses can be provided to help remove some of the barriers they encounter and the possibility that these labells become fixed identities and result in negative consequences. Many children (myself and Mairian work with) are caught within this tension and negotiate their labels on a daily basis, their label is not a fixed point on a scale, its meaning changes by the minute depending on who (other children or adults) they encounter. Some of those who attribute labels in educational setting invariably claim they are applying objective criteria - in my experience these criteria rarely exist. John %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%