This year at the FE Miley Elementary school, because of Autism awareness month, students will be learning why and how to be kind. They made a rainbow of seven colors representing all seven classes. They used each student's handprint, and the high school art department will paint the words "In a world where you can become anything, be kind" above the rainbow.
Every year 1 in 54 births is diagnosed with Autism. Often nationwide, students on the spectrum are bullied. But Cat Lopez, paraprofessional and a one-on-one assistant for students with Autism in Big Sandy, is quick to say not in Big Sandy FE Miley School. She loves Big Sandy, and one student said, "You are his voice." She is proud that Autism is part of the first
-grade vocabulary.
The 5th-grade class made an acrostic poem using the letters in Autism-Among, Uncommon, Terrific, Indestructible, Strong, Magical. They also came up with their symbol using the puzzle piece. (See pictures)
The six-grade class made pins for everyone to wear, encouraging kindness. They have learned what Autism is. "It shows everyone even though someone has Autism, they are just like us; they just need a little bit more help." "The symbol for Autism is a puzzle piece, how like each puzzle are all different, so we are all different. It's also a time to celebrate that everyone is different with their personalities, different likes, in their ways, not just in how they learn."
"Because basically, everyone has a little bit of autism." "We all have a little quirky something.". "We all need to learn to be kind. Some adults don't know how to be kind." "We need to be kind to everyone because we are all so different."
At the school library and the city library, they have a section of books about Autism. At the school, they also have bookmarks and stickers.
Classroom doors are decorated; kids earning awards during April choose from the Autism awareness bucket full of prizes, and "They wear it with pride." Big Sandy Organics donated Autism masks. They also had a day where everyone wore blue or wore their autism t-shirts.
Last year, because of COVID-19, Caedon Tielking didn't get credit for making a platform occupational therapy swing in shop class. "He did an awesome job," Cat said.
According to the Autism Speaks organization, "Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Autism affects an estimated 1 in 54 children in the United States today.
We know that there is not one Autism but many subtypes, most influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Because Autism is a spectrum disorder, each person with Autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges. The ways in which people with Autism learn, think, and problem-solve can range from highly skilled to severely challenged. Some people with ASD may require significant support in their daily lives, while others may need less support and, in some cases, live entirely independently."
