“People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are like salt-water fish who are forced to live in freshwater. They are fine if you just put them into the right environment. When the person with ASD and the environment match, the problems go away and they even thrive. When the environments don’t match, they seem disabled.” Humphrey (2008).
Language impairment, social deficits, repetitive behaviors, sleep issues, gastrointestinal disorders, and anxiety are characteristics of ASD: 40% are nonverbal; 70% have average to above average IQ scores.
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For the families affected by autism, each day can be an adventure in uncertainty:
- Will Johnny have a meltdown at school forcing mom to take off work again?
- Will Max make it through a quick stop at the grocery store or will he scream down the aisles?
- Should we pay for Suzie’s therapy or buy Christmas presents?
The Hope Center for Autism in Stuart, Florida is a public charter school that helps families navigate these adventures. Parents entrust their children to staff dedicated to supporting sensory, communication, and self-management needs in preparation for a successful life.
“Children with autism are colorful, they are often very beautiful, and like the rainbow they stand out.” Adele Devine
One Hope Center staff member dreamed of working with ASD kids as far back as eighth grade, others saw it as a stepping stone to gain pediatric experience before graduating to working with adults. But after several years at the Hope Center, staff no longer see their jobs as temporary. They fell in love with the children, found their calling, and can’t imagine doing anything else. Excited to go to work every morning, they leave every day feeling part of a big, connected community.
“If they can’t learn the way we teach, we teach them the way they learn.” O. Ivar Lovaas
“Autism makes you listen louder. It makes you pay attention to an emotional level as well as an intellectual level.” Jace King
“Adapting our own perception, following rather than leading and building bridges are all keys to helping the child with Autism learn.” Adele Devine
Hope Center days are filled with learning, fun, and energy. Staff do things a little differently and adapt to change in unique ways:
- Incorporate blue, the favorite color.
- Use a picture symbol vocabulary board with every lesson.
- Use fidget toys.
- Sing skip counting songs.
- Bond with and earn student trust.
“Cherish the children marching to the beat of their own music. They play the most beautiful heart song.” Fiona Goldsworthy
“If we strive for the love, joy, and happiness the students have, the world would be a much BETTER place.” Gina Williamson
Special thanks to several staff at the Hope Center for Autism, https://www.hopecenterforautism.org, who contributed to this post: ESE Teachers Natalie Rzeznik and Alexis Matonti; paraprofessionals Maria Gutierrez, Sandy Jerrells, Gina Williamson, and Sarah Zeilinga; Tundra, Jungle, and behavior staff; Theodore Hassel, PE Coach; Laura Drake, Aftercare Provider; Katarina Suarez, Speech-Language Pathologist; and Joanne Sweazey, Executive Director.
This post first appeared on Angela Muir Van Etten’s blog on April 5, 2021 at https://angelamuirvanetten.com/. Readers are encouraged to share the post, but are asked to include the website link.
4 replies on “Shine Blue on Autism in April”
I have 1 grandson who is autistic and doing well. Although I have read on the subject, this was an enlightening perspective. Thanks
Pleased your grandson is doing well. This perspective was informed by staff at the Hope Center for Autism where I now serve as a board member.
Thank you for sharing this blog today.
So happy to hear you are on the Hope Center Board!
The school served my daughter so well!
One amazing school.
Appreciate your weekly log and am grateful for all the years you supported our journey.
Happy your daughter is doing so well Cheryl. I enjoy reading your updates on FB. Yes, I’ve been on the Hope Center Board for a year now. And agree they are doing an amazing job. Wonderful to see the school expand its’ facilities, add higher grade classes, and serve adults in the Next Step program.