The Power of Inclusion for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

What a difference "inclusion" can make in the life of a child on the autism spectrum! Having a teacher who takes the time and devotes herself to embracing each student's individual differences while guiding neurotypical children to accept and appreciate the child with ASD, despite the frequent classroom disruptions, seemingly out of place self-stimming behaviors, and full-blown meltdowns, creates an environment of acceptance filled with incredibly empathetic, amazing children who befriend, include, and look out for their peer on the autism spectrum. The result: A talent show number for the end of the year school-wide family BBQ that just HAD to include my son, their friend....no matter what. While this teacher was a rare gift in her method of inclusion, she should be held up as an example of what should be the norm in any educational setting. My son follows their lead, they take time to help explain, they accept and embrace his differences and/or struggles, and the result is amazing---He completes the whole dance with his friends in front of a large crowd of people and, best of all, his response later that day: "That was EPIC!", declared with a huge grin of satisfaction (followed, of course, by several hours of 'alone time' to decompress from all the stimulation). Can you identify him in the line-up??

Category:

Education

Tags:

• PDD-NOS
• HFA