World Autism Month: Removing the stigma

Orientation to the profession | Outcome #1 | Understand the role of all stakeholders in creating and sustaining an engaging, inclusive, safe and equitable learning environment.

April is World Autism Month, an annual opportunity for students and faculty to have an open conversation about the disorder. According to Autism Speaks Canada, "Autism touches more than 70 million people globally. Approximately 1 in 66 children and youth are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Canada and this number continues to grow." The more we educate others about Autism, the better we will be when treating others on the spectrum.

My grade 8 students work with Kindergarteners, many are whom Autistic, through the reading buddies program every Tuesday. Though the 8s are with the kindergarteners to read with them and teach them the fundamentals to reading, the youngsters teach the intermediate students patience, respect, and resilience. There is an exchange of learning between the students, and it's really something wonderful to observe.

Building awareness of the disorder give us all a better understanding of how to treat autistic people the kindness and respect they deserve.