Autism Society: Wednesday

On Wednesday, we woke up at the crack of dawn (aka seven a.m) to make our way over to Thomas Jefferson High school.  We were assigned to a special education class room of high school aged people with an array of disorders (mostly Autism Spectrum). We watched them eat breakfast and transition into morning work.  On Wednesdays, they leave the campus to experience and become exposed to different settings.  The group was divided in half and we were each assigned one kid to mentor for the day.  One half of the group took the kids to a retirement home and did crafts, arts, and socializing.  The other half took their group to the local elementary school special education class to celebrate a late St. Patrick's day.  I was in the latter group.  We took public transportation to the school, which is a functional skill these kids need to develop effectively.  I was assigned to a deaf girl who engaged in a lot of property destruction and  stereotopy (non functional, repetitive behaviors that serve no social purpose, self stimulation).  It was hard to connect with her because of the lack of communication, but I managed to use non verbals to engage with her. After the off campus trip, we went back to TJH for lunch and "circut" time with the kids.

We had a two hour break until we had to provide child care while parents went to a support meeting.  We expected for each of us to be one on one with a child, but only one family brought their children.  One had Autism and he was about four maybe.  The parents also brought their little girl who was typically developing.  We fell in love with both of them!  As a group we enjoyed spending time with them and we all laughed with the kids, and eachother.  Another great bonding opportunity!!