AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH
Our schools and classrooms across the country will be celebrating Autism Awareness Month throughout April. We will be sharing stories, videos, photos, and events highlighting what autism means to our staff and students.
Ashton, who uses a communication device to speak, told us that what he wants people to know about kids with autism is that “we can learn everything.” He also told us something that he’s proud of accomplishing this school year!
Nick, a student at the Center for Autism & Dyslexia in Findlay, Ohio told us all about his favorite teacher, class, as well as what he wishes people knew about kids with autism.
Jihree, a 2nd grader at High Road School of Anne Arundel says that students with autism, like himself, “can be friends. We can sing songs. We can take turns with toys.”
FINDING THE RIGHT FIT FOR WALTER
When Walter, a teenager with autism, started at our school he was struggling with his communication skills and managing his behaviors. According to his father, Scott, “his vocabulary was just a few words – basically yes or no – there was no real communication. He was not able to deal with people socially.” We invite you to watch our video and hear from Scott and Walter himself to learn more about the individualized approach we take for each of our students and the impact it can have on them and their families.
ANGEL’S STORY
Before coming to one of our schools, Angel’s behavior was erratic, destructive and oftentimes violent, putting himself and those around him at risk. After being removed from nearly 10 programs, no one would accept Angel. Watch the video to see Angel’s story, hear from his teacher, and see why his mother Celia says, “He’s just a different person now. He loves to go to school. They changed his life. They gave him a chance.”
The Impact Our Students Have On Us
Melissa Dirzius is a Special Education Teacher at B.E.S.T. Academy, which serves students with significant autism and developmental delays. Hear what Melissa says it means to see the impact she has on her students and also what she loves about working at B.E.S.T. Academy.
Leanna, a 12th grader at Sierra Academy in Arizona says she is “proud of how far I have come in learning. I am also proud of how I was able to get a volunteer job at the Arizona Humane Society.” Leanna also thinks you can’t push people with autism too hard because “they all learn differently.”
Kaliyah, an 8th grader at High Road School of Baltimore County, says that her peers who have autism “just think differently and maybe they can’t get the words out right and sometimes do not react in the way others do, but they are just like all other kids.”
Halen, Lead Assistant Teacher at High Road School of Boone County, says the biggest thing we can do for student’s with autism “is learn how to listen to them and to hear who they really are.”