Autism Vox

Think Hope

by Kristina Chew, PhD on June 13th, 2006

The June 6th death of 7-year-old Tyji Chester during school hours highlights the need for not only teachers but also aides and paraprofessionals to be highly trained in teaching autistic children. Tyji was assigned a 1:1 aide in his public school special education class in West Baltimore, but where was that aide when Tyji climbed the fence around a swimming pool located next to his school—-and when Tyji drowned in the pool?

It is very much the case that “…..we need people trained in clinical approaches of dealing with autistic kids” as Orin Grossman, academic vice president of Fairfield University in Connecticut said. The university is “exploring the possibility of developing a master’s degree program for those who work with people with autism,” according to an article in today’s Connecticut Post about an autism conference held at Fairfield University on Monday. Autism Speaks founders and autism grandparents Bob and Suzanne Wright spoke at the conference.

Autism Speaks aims to raise $100 million annually. Bob Wright is quoted as saying “‘We’re confident that through aggressive funding we can significantly accelerate the pace of research and ultimately find a cure’”—-Mr. Wright, please think of Tyji Chester, of Katherine McCarron, and, instead of cure (a fighting word), think about what we can do to help our “beautiful, precious, and happy” autistic children here, today, and now to have the best possible lives. There is so much they can do, if given the chance.

We need “help” and “hope,” not “cure.”

Share This

Related Stories

Need Hepp Need Hope
Witness & Hope: October 27 Autism and Advocacy Conference in NYC
It’s All About Hope
A Lot Can Change in 10 Years
After Jenny, With Charlie, and Lots to Hope For

POSTED IN: Autism Organizations, Education, Fundraising, Parenting, Treatment