Writing disability

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Hi everyone
I am writing a book and all of my characters are pretty much in seventh grade. I believe one of them is in eighth grade now this book has some language in terms of derogatory terms towards gay people as in this story is going to be about bullying possibly gay bashing and bullying towards the handicapped The main protagonist of cerebral palsy ,One is typical but gay one is autistic ,one has Down syndrome One has an intellectual disability and the other one is what would you call nurotypical
I’m trying to write and main character that I had cerebral palsy. Is there any way you can give me some tips? I am also trying to write a character with down syndrome as a side character.Also a character that’s coming to terms with the fact that they have an intellectual disability and one that gets diagnosed with autism during the story

I’m trying to make this a middle grade novel or possibly a young adult

Make sure you detail the disabilities the person with cerebral palsy has.

There is a great deal of difference between one with cerebral palsy versus another person with cerebral palsy.

One could be wheelchair bound, while another is able to run fast, for example.

I really like the idea of your story. I think that you should consult with people with down syndrome and Cerebral Palsy if you'd like to write characters with these disabilities. Ask them about their struggles, what their lives are like, what they wish they could tell people, and have them read over what you wrote for feedback if possible. We here on this board can give perspective on ASD, but I think portraying different disabilities accurately is really tough without relevant human perspective.

I am very proud of you Jen.

It sounds interesting.

A small number of the characters in my massive fantasy clustershag of stories were written/developed as though they have mental health concerns or impairments, or developmental concerns. Since the setting doesn't understand these issues like ours does I have to be really mindful about only showing but never telling or using labels.

Similar to what you describe, a lot of the language that might be directed towards disadvantaged people in a story dealing with those struggles might be offensive because you're trying to make it clear how those slurs are often how the people around them understand the problem and it communicates the mindset of the antagonists. I wouldn't worry too much about the potential to offend, since let's face it, being bullied or harassed in such a way is offensive and should offend people.

Are you interested in having anyone proofread? I'm sure a few folks on here would be interested and I'm writing my name on the top of the list right now.