Everybody Knows Somebody With Autism
In the past three years, the number of children diagnosed with autism in Massachusetts has gone from 4,080 in 2003 to 6,477 in 2006. An article in the August 5th MetroWest Daily News highlights the Darnell School for Educational and Behavioral Services in Hudson, (central) Massachusetts. The Darnell School serves older autistic students (aged 9-22):
Hobley, a profoundly autistic 17-year-old, is one of two students enrolled so far. School founders hope to grow to 18 students this fall and receive accreditation from the state.
Karen Wiersma is amazed at how Hobley, her adopted son, has become more social and adaptable to change after just a few weeks of attending the Darnell School.
Wiersma used to struggle to convince her son to go outside. Now, she said, he will jump on the trampoline in the yard. Hobley is also speaking more, socializing with others and his tantrums are under control.
Instead of 250-pound Nathaniel throwing a fit at his new school, Wiersma said he comforts the other student during his “meltdowns.”
“This is the kinds of leaps and bounds I’m so pleased with at this school,” Wiersma said.
Not every autism family is able to find a school and appropriate resources to best help their child though, as Wiersma notes “‘everyone knows somebody with autism.’” And we must hope that, one day, everybody will know how a good education and real support from the community can mean not only that “everybody knows somebody with autism,” but that everybody is glad they do.
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POSTED IN: Adulthood, Education, Family, Parenting, Stereotypes, Treatment
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