Autism awareness growing at Winslow Elementary School

Teachers and students in a classroom, from left to right, Melissa Hanley, Ashton Darrell, Joan Carney, Ava Tantoco, Donna Wilson, Samantha Lessard, Jessica Fortin, Melanie Wheat, Amaya Tantoco and Kelsey Steves. Photo by Tawni Lively, Central Maine Photography staff

by Mark Huard

Autism Awareness is growing at Winslow Elementary School. April is Autism Awareness Month and there are many activities planned.

Most people have heard about Autism by now, and many even know someone personally who lies somewhere on the Autism Spectrum. At Winslow Elementary School, the Autism program is spreading the word: Kids with Autism want to be included, just like you!

Autism is a social communication disorder that makes it difficult for a person to read social cues, interact, and express themselves. They may need to be taught how to make friends, or to read body language. It often affects the way they perceive the world, as well. The buzzing in fluorescent lights may drive them crazy. The sound of a fire drill may be unbearable. Looking into your eyes might be so distracting, they can’t listen to your words. On the other hand, you may know a person with Autism their entire life and never know they have a diagnosis! Every single person on the Autism Spectrum is unique!

Winslow Elementary School ed techs involved in the Autism program are, from back to front, Kelsey Steeves, Anne Rice, Katherine Leclair, Jessica Fortin, Joan Varney, Donna Wilson, Samantha Lessard and Melissa Hanley.
Photo by Tawni Lively, Central Maine Photography staff

At Winslow Elementary, they focus on individualizing the education of the students who are in our program. With their team of eight hard working ed techs and teachers, they work hard to make sure all of their students are getting the education they deserve, and that they have every opportunity to be included in the regular education environment. Sometimes this requires Assistive Technology such as an iPad for communication, or a visual schedule, or just some extra breaks included throughout their day. They have access to speech therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy if they need it.

“Working with kids with Autism is a wonderful experience, said Melissa Hanley, a teacher at Winslow Elementary School. “It teaches you to put yourself in another person’s shoes, and to look at the world at a different angle. Our students are so smart and they love to be a part of this school. We work with them to be as independent as they can be, and to handle the stress of everyday life in stride. I hope that through awareness and exposure, the world can accept the different needs of kids on the spectrum and help make the world more accessible”

If you would like to donate to the program, or would like to learn more, please consider coming to the community events: April 10, 4 – 7 p.m.: McPuzzle Night at McDonald’s, in Winslow.

Come enjoy a meal and play games with the WES Autism group, and 92.3 The Moose! Bring your bottles for the bottle drive! McDonald’s has generously offered to donate 20 percent of sales to the program!

April 13, 4 – 9 p.m.: Dining to Donate at Applebee’s, in Waterville.

Applebee’s is hosting a fun night of dining and will be donating 15 percent of all purchases! Have a nice family dinner knowing you’re helping out a great organization!

April 26, 4 – 9 p.m.: Sweet Frog frozen yogurt and sorbet, Waterville Commons.

Sweet Frog is donating 20 percent of proceeds to the program if you mention the fundraiser at the register! The group will be there with an information station, so bring your questions and they’ll be happy to chat with you!

Donations are also coming from Subway, and It’s a Good Pizza, both in Winslow.

If you have any questions, or would like to donate, contact Melissa Hanley at mhanley@aos92.org, or during the school day at (207)872-1967 X2107