|
This page was exported from Shelburne Free Press
[ https://shelburnefreepress.ca ] Export date: Tue Jul 23 15:33:41 2024 / +0000 GMT |
April 2nd: World Autism Day With growing support, ‘Autism Awareness' is on the rise, and it would seem that Autism itself is on the rise as well, but is it? As April 2nd was World Autism Awareness Day and many wore blue t-shirts in support of friends and family who live with Autism and that was the case with 6 year old twins, Trent and Emily Ferguson. Friends, parents, family members, teachers and Denise Heaslip, Principal of Hyland Heights Elementary School sported blue clothing for this day, but before this day, the twins' mother, Sherri-Lyn Ferguson had a lot of work to do in preparing the school to be the safest learning environment for her children to spend their time in. Ferguson, as most parents of Autistic children will tell you, the volume of knowledge required upon receiving the news your child has been diagnosed with Autism is astounding, overwhelming and with twins, one might even say double the ‘fun', so to speak. Exhausting and absolutely imperative to get accomplished, Ferguson had a new job, her life and the quality of life of her children. In addition to running a family, driving a school bus and having a baby, Ferguson, like a Momma Bear, trudged on and because of her never waning devotion to her children, has accomplished so much and she says the key is to get the diagnosis early as possible, and never stop being your child's advocate. As there is no manual instructing parents on how to keep your Autistic child safe in school, Ferguson approached teachers, and Principal Heaslip for help in this daunting task which was unchartered territory. As there is simply not enough money in the school system to outfit every school with special safety doors, teaching assistants, out- door perimeter fencing, the task at hand is a double edged sword. Fortunately after seeking out these things, Ferguson accomplished quite a bit with the support of Heaslip, the school board, and resource teachers. Maggie McFazden, Communication Officer with the Upper Grand District School Board is more than accommodating when relaying information on the complex issue the world is facing. “The school board understands the complicated situation all parties are faced with as more and more children are getting diagnosed as sitting somewhere on the spectrum of Autism. We offer Behavior Management training for staff for all Special Education needs. We offer collaborative problem solving training and applied behavioural analysis. Our staff can also attend the Geneva Centre for Autism at their summer conference. We have noticed an increased amount of children being diagnosed with Autism over the last five years. We've also noticed a great improvement in the behaviour of Autistic children who bring their service dogs with them as well. We always look at ways to help our staff and school children to keep safe and be able to learn, ” explained McFadzen. Understanding there are only so many teaching assistants available, only so many safety requirements able to be implemented, and only so much money available, McFazden expresses the Board's dedication to their teachers and students, whatever the special needs may be, “We'll always do our very best with what we have.” Hyland Heights Elementary is a great example of that commitment. Heaslip commented, “We encourage three sets of eyes in the classroom in this case, we've installed special alarms on the doors, (some children are runners),we have Education Assistants and we implement a staff team approach. Even the students are a support system as they get to know each other and Hyland Heights kids are appreciative kids, accepting of each other.” Perhaps the rise in diagnosis of Autism is a pediatrician's ability to recognize Autism earlier, the ‘spectrum' of Autism seems to become a wider spectrum each year, and as Autism Awareness grows, other former diagnosis such as Asperger's Syndrome, can now be found on the spectrum of Autism as well. Is Autism really growing? It is still difficult to say when considering all factors involved. “Never underestimate the potential of a child. All children have potential and special gifts,” commented Heaslip when discussing the labelling of children as it is well known that children progress at different rates. ‘Light it Up Blue' is a universally recognized way to begin Autism Awareness Month. Shelburne Parents On The Spectrum(SPOTS) gathered in the evening at Jack Downing Park as Shelburne's Mayor Ed Crewson supportively agreed to light up Shelburne's City Hall ‘Blue' in support. If you are a parent requiring information, you may want to reach out to Sherri-Lyn Ferguson at sherri-lynm@sympatico.ca and be your child's advocate. One last tip Ferguson has for parents is to try Omega Oils which are a source of brain food. One Energy Center, located on Main St. can offer some very effective treatments as well. By Alex Sher  Mothers know the comfort trusting the care of you children to strangers and when a woman, a mother, a grandmother and dedicated School Principal goes above and beyond to understand the special needs of a student, a mother's gratitude and appreciation is difficult to describe. Principal of Hyland Heights Elementary, Denise Heaslip will be leaving Shelburne next year taking a new position in Orangeville. Sherri-Lyn Ferguson, mother of 6yr.old twins living with Autism will dearly miss life without Heaslip, but Heaslip assures the new Principal will be eager to work with everyone. |
|
Post date: 2014-04-05 18:30:42 Post date GMT: 2014-04-05 22:30:42 Post modified date: 2014-04-09 10:30:34 Post modified date GMT: 2014-04-09 14:30:34 |
| Powered by [ Universal Post Manager ] plugin. HTML saving format developed by gVectors Team www.gVectors.com |