By Monty Siekerman
Ada Schools are marking National Autism Month with several programs that teach students to show respect and honor those who have autism.
“We aim to celebrate the uniqueness in all of us and honor diversity and differences,” said Mrs. Meghan Kosier, kindergarten teacher, and Sherry Miller, speech language pathologist. They are the local Autism Week coordinators.
- Don't miss the photos at the bottom -
“Let’s Light It Up Blue” is the theme of the week. Blue is the identifying color for autism.
Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by troubles with social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. It may be caused by genetic or environmental factors. In America, about 4 or 5 children out of 100 are born with autism, with 80 percent of them being males.
At Ada Elementary, classrooms and hallways are decorated to celebrate each child’s uniqueness. The school library has a display of books describing autism and individuality. Even the trees outside are adorned with blue ribbons. And, blue ribbons are made available to wear.
Elementary students are asked to wear special clothing. Students were encouraged to wear blue on Tuesday. Wednesday is “Your Future Is Bright” when students wear future careers’ clothes. Thursday is “Be a Hero for Autism” when students are encouraged to wear super hero clothing. Friday is “Together Everyone Achieves More” with favorite sports team clothing to be worn.
Photo, from left: Kiegan Boyd, Aireanah Boedicker, and Noah Archer with poems they wrote about things that most represent each of them.
• Each bug and flower was made by a different second grader, thus showing their individuality.
• A door decoration with clouds and streamers. Each student wrote on the streamers several things that make them unique. One was even in Braille.
• Puzzle pieces that students write on to describe what each student thinks he is good at doing. They are all different, showing the uniqueness of each individual.
• The Ada Schools Library has several displays of books about autism and the value of diversity, uniqueness, differences, and individuality among each of us.
