Light It Up Blue 2015

I was extremely proud to be part of Light It Up Blue around the globe for many personal reasons. I had the pleasure and blessing of teaching an autistic student when I was the K4 teacher here at the Campus School. He was one of the most awesome guys I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. He may never know just how much he touched my heart and soul. But he did. And because of that, I will always spread this awareness. We were also lucky enough to have members of the UWA Football Team and Coaches join with us to show our support for Autism. #coachross #teamcarson #liub

In our classroom, the students learned what autism is...

Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders – autism spectrum disorders – caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by communication difficulties, social and behavioral challenges, as well as repetitive behaviors. While every country’s statistics differ, it is estimated that one in 68 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum – a 123% increase in eight years that is only partly explained by improved diagnosis. There is currently no medical detection or cure for autism.

 The students also learned why we wore blue on April 2nd for Light It Up Blue....

On December 18, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 62/139, tabled by the State of Qatar, which declares April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in perpetuity. This UN resolution declares WAAD as one of only four official health specific United Nations Days and will bring the world’s attention to autism, a pervasive disorder that affects tens of millions. The World Autism Awareness Day resolution encourages all Member States to take measures to raise awareness about autism throughout society and to encourage early diagnosis and early intervention. It further expresses deep concern at the prevalence and high rate of autism in children in all regions of the world and the consequent developmental challenges.

For more information, please visit austismspeaks.org

we watched Everyone Counts: My Friend Isabelle

My Friend Isabelle, created as part of the NDSS educational program Everyone Counts: Teaching Acceptance and Inclusion, is an animated story based on a children's book by Eliza Woloson originally published by Woodbine House. Viewers meet Isabelle, who has Down syndrome, and her friend Charlie. They learn that differences make life interesting and friends don't have to be exactly the same. (2005)

Each student also decorated a puzzle piece to end our lesson because LOVE is what completes the puzzle.

#liub