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FEATURE STORY
By Mark Huard
WINSLOW — April is Autism Awareness Month, and Winslow Elementary School has many activities planned to help spread the word.
Most people have heard about autism by now, and many even know someone who is somewhere on the autism spectrum. At Winslow Elementary School, the autism program is spreading the word: Kids with autism want to be included, just like you!
Autism is a social communication disorder that makes it difficult for those who have it to read social cues, interact and express themselves. They may need to be taught how to make friends, or to read body language. It often affects the way they perceive the world as well. The buzzing in fluorescent lights may drive them crazy. The sound of a fire drill may be unbearable.
Looking into your eyes might be so distracting, they can’t listen to your words. On the other hand, you may know a person with autism their entire life and never know they have a diagnosis. Every single person on the autism spectrum is unique.
At Winslow Elementary, the focus is on individualizing the education of students who are in the program. A team of eight ed techs and teachers work hard to make sure all of their students get the education they deserve, and that they have every opportunity to be included in the regular education environment. Sometimes this requires assistive technology, such as an iPad for communication, or a visual schedule, or just some extra breaks throughout their day. They have access to speech therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy if they need it.
“Working with kids with autism is a wonderful experience,” said Melissa Hanley, a teacher at the school. “It teaches you to put yourself in another person’s shoes, and to look at the world at a different angle. Our students are so smart and they love to be a part of this school. We work with them to be as independent as they can be, and to handle the stress of everyday life in stride. I hope that through awareness and exposure, the world can accept the different needs of kids on the spectrum and help make the world more accessible.”
Several community events are scheduled in April to support the program and to help increase awareness of what autism is about.
4 to 7 p.m., Monday, April 10, McPuzzle Night at McDonalds in Winslow. Enjoy a meal and play games with the WES Autism group, and 92.3 The Moose. Bring bottles for the bottle drive. McDonald’s is donated 20 percent of its sales to the program.
4 to 9 p.m., Thursday, April 13, Dining to Donate at Applebee’s in Waterville. A fun night of dining and Applebee’s is donating 15 percent of all purchases to the program.
4 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, April 26, Sweet Frog frozen yogurt and sorbet in Waterville. Sweet Frog is donating 20 percent of proceeds to the program from those who mention the fundraiser at the register. Representatives from the school’s program will be there to answer questions and chat.
Subway and It’s a Good Pizza in Winslow are also donating to the program. For more information, contact Melissa Hanley at mhanley@aos92.org, or during the school day at 872-1967, extension 2107.
PHOTO CAPTION: Teachers and staff in Winslow Elementary School’s austism program inclcude, from left, Kelsey Steeves, Anne Rice, Katherine Leclair, Jessica Fortin, Joan Varney, Donna Wilson, Samantha Lessard, Melissa Hanley. (Photo by Tawni Lively/ Central Maine Photography Staff)
