Second, remember that on a personal level, we are all teachers. Teach each individual with an autism spectrum disorder with:
Compassion …to make a difference in the life of an individual with an autism spectrum disorder, you will need to go beyond what is convenient and easy; Understanding …of the spectrum of differences; Acceptance …welcome all and those who accompany them by your positive verbal and nonverbal behavior; Respect … the individual gifts each person brings to his/her relationship with God and the community, and their privacy; Support …until everyone can take advantage of naturally occurring supports; Tolerance …to recognize and allow for deficits; Patience …while skills are repeatedly practiced; Willingness …to hear and learn about challenges, how people learn, and when and how you could respond (or not respond in some cases); High expectations …know that all can learn the necessary skills to become full and contributing members of the community.
Third, all of us seek communities that will welcome and support us. We all know how valuable it is to feel included; but it is even more powerfully rewarding to help someone else feel that they belong.
“Lord make me an instrument of thy peace… Grant that I might not so much seek To be consoled as to console; To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love.” (St. Francis of Assisi)
Fourth, we would like to believe that individuals with special needs are being increasingly accepted and accommodated naturally and spontaneously in the places where they live, work, play, and worship. Unfortunately, that is not always so. Parents and professionals need to adequately prepare their children and learners to meet the challenges of the real world. Places of worship need to be ready to welcome all. Then inclusion will not only be a possibility, but also a reality.
“Whether one believes in religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isn’t anyone who does not appreciate kindness and compassion.” (Dalai Lama)
I observed a Yeshiva program serving preschoolers with autism. One boy struggled each day with Moreh (teacher) Lisa to learn that people, places, and objects had names. His parents reinforced his lessons in the evenings. His ability to respond to simple questions was emerging. With lots of practice he was beginning to repeat short prayers. This day, while describing where objects were placed in relation to him and others, he was listing the people and objects in the room. He paused for a second, and his face lit up. With a smile he exclaimed, “God is everywhere!” Good job everyone.
Linda S. Meyer, Ed.D., M.P.A., is Executive Director of The New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community (COSAC).
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A Journey Into Community
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