Spreading the word on Autism Awareness.

Afternoon Readers:

These past few weeks I've been doing my part as an advocate and promoting Autism Awareness Month.

I felt in my community that there wasn't enough being done  to educate others about Autism or acknowledge the members in our city. 

So I set out on a mini quest to do my part for my students, for my family, and for the individuals I support under the spectrum. There was a fire within me that couldn't be put out until I felt I spread the word in some way.

The first group I decided to focus on was the students in my school. As I've mentioned before, I am a Teaching Assistant and am blessed to work with 4 FANTASTIC boys. They keep me on my toes, make me laugh, and most importantly remind me why I love what  I do.  

I approached the Principal and asked him if it would be allowed to do a school project for Autism Awareness Month. After all, we do have several students with ASD and when it comes to every cause under the sun, our school always does their part to show their support. If we could fundraisers, walk, and wear pins for Cancer, food drives, and bullying, then why couldn't we do our part for Autism Awareness Month. I couldn't figure out a good enough reason why we couldn't and so the planning began. :)

Goal #1: Our school has over 400 amazing and creative students. I figured the best way to promote Autism was through art. In the front entrance of our school there is a large display board. My goal was to have that entire board covered in colorful puzzle pieces! I encouraged the students to write what they felt Autism was and how to treat our friends who have it. The end product was absolutely amazing. 

One parent who's son has Aspergers, stopped in front of the board and told her son, "See this? This board is for you. It's for us. They do care about you." I felt at the moment that our school had made one person feel like  they had an army of supporters standing behind them. 

So far we were up to 300 puzzle pieces!

Goal #2: Was to have a mini presentation on what Autism was for the entire school. I felt the students would have a better understanding of certain typical ASD behaviors if I compared it to situations they experience on a day to day basis. For example, when describing how children with ASD like to play with certain toys and  have an attachment to them, I asked the students to raise their hand if they had something they loved to play with as well. As predicted, all of their hands shot up into the air. When told that children with Autism often like routines and things to be predictable , I asked the students how they would feel if they sat at the same desk everyday and played with the same friends and suddenly someone came and changed everything without them knowing. There was an instant reaction from the students. "No way, Ms. Jam! They can't do that!"  I explained to everyone in the room that there are things that we like and ways we behave which isn't too different then what someone with Autism may do. I truly felt that at that moment, the students were able to take something away from them and hopefully have a better understanding of their peer with ASD.

Goal #3: GO BLUE FOR AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH! Monday, April 2, 2012 students and staff dressed in blue to show their support for the start of Autism Awareness Month. It was amazing to see the entire school come out in full force to show their support!

I then targeted the local media and did a special on Autism and am currently working on an article for our city newspaper.

As a Developmental Services Worker, Teaching Assistant, Consultant and Advocate, this is what needed to be done. If we want the world to not be ignorant towards Autism, we need to educate them!

Happy Reading and don't forget to share the word!

Ms. Jam