Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder, is a neurological disorder that causes people to experience the world differently; they might feel or react to situations differently. Each person is different in their own ways. People with autism are born with it since it is genetic. A week in April is partially dedicated to being aware of autism. This week is focused on knowing and understanding Autism. The point of this week is to teach people to be aware of and appreciate neurological differences. The Autism Society helps give the message of this.
Autism Awareness Month used to be called National Autistic Children’s Week, which started in 1972. The term “Autism” started in 1908. It was used by a Swiss psychiatrist named Eugen Bleuler. He used it to describe schizophrenia, a mental condition. In the 1940s, Leo Kanner and Hans Asperger used this term to describe other similar symptoms. Kanner, in 1943, gave his theory and other characteristics to what he thought it was. Later, it was proved wrong. Asperger published his works, but they weren’t as known outside Austria until later.
Freedom has students who have autism, which is why we have Autism Awareness weeks to not just support them, but others in the community. Autism is a part of our school in many ways. People of all ages can be diagnosed with autism, including adults, not just students. The average age to be diagnosed with autism is 4-5 years old, but it can be older or younger.
Recently, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr, stated his research on autism and how it can be prevented. He also talked about the rising rates of autism. He talked about his plans to identify any environmental toxins that can explain the rising rates. His claim offended many people. The New York Times has many articles from this month talking about it with points of views of how it affected people. One of their articles is labeled “Kennedy’s Dangerous Autism Claims.” Negativity can have negative effects on people with autism and their families, which is why Kennedy’s claims offended families. Kennedy, the nephew of John F. Kennedy, is also working on banning synthetic food dyes in the United States.
One characteristic of Autism is Social Interaction and Communication. At Freedom, most of the students who have Autism build a group of friends. They’ll sit with each other at lunch, in class, and other places. Another characteristic is understanding others’ points of view. Sometimes, ideas might have to be further explained to them, which is a good thing. Knowing more about the idea helps everyone to understand more. Freedom has classrooms and teachers dedicated to teaching students with many different needs. Freedom has many teachers and classrooms for Autism. For example, in the Middle School, Ms. Christina Waters’ classroom is where some students with autism learn.
“It’s different every day, you always have to adapt. All students with autism are different. You have to work with each kid and their needs. The ranges can be from high-functioning students to students with more intense needs,” Ms. Waters, special education teacher, said.
Freedom has a good community and role models for its students with autism. Many of the Autistic students have friendships outside of their classrooms. Students can be very inclusive. Students with autism have a strong memory.
“They count the students in the room. When someone’s missing they want to know where they are. They are their friends, their safe people,” Ms. Waters said.
They remember the good things and good friendships. Autistic people can be very empathetic, kind, and caring. Leena Ruckert, a seventh-grader, explains that she loves coming into class and seeing students learn and grow. She is friends with everyone in the class.
“I love how they’re so different; seeing their little accomplishments is very rewarding. They always keep me on my toes. You have to adjust and make things work for them,” Ms. Waters said.
Students in Freedom with autism each have their own personalities. They are unique in different ways. Ms. Waters enjoys the challenges and making their life better. She has been teaching special education for 18 years now.
Autism brings unique characteristics to Freedom and memorable people. Each individual with Autism builds communities and different skills for everyone.
