Stella Maris promotes autism awareness

Students paraded into the gymnaisum at Stella Maris Catholic Elementary School last Wednesday as part of an assembly to promote autism awareness.

Autism awareness was the focus of a special assembly last week at Stella Maris Catholic Elementary School.

The assembly and the fundraising campaign that comes with it started last Wednesday afternoon. Students with autism, their teachers and their educational assistants paraded into the gymnasium where siblings, staff and other students helped teach their school mates about autism.

Educational assistant Michelle Connell said it was the third year they have presented such as assembly. They will also fundraise for Autism Ontario Windsor-Essex County through popsicle sales, T-shirt sales and other means.

“Every day, we will have a spirit day,” said Connell.

The campaign will end with a cheque presentation at the Girard St. school April 16.

The assembly showed what autism looks like and how to treat people with autism. Autism was described as “a developmental condition” with students being told that not everyone with autism has the same symptoms, with one example being some people can speak while others cannot.

Staff and students learned at the assembly that famous people on the autism spectrum include Albert Einstein, director Tim Burton and baseball player Jack Leiter. They learned about how to accept people with autism and “valuing the unique perspectives and abilities of individuals on the autism spectrum.”

Students were encouraged to include autistic children when playing, ask what they like to do, be patient, plan ahead, be direct and to stand up for their friends. They also learned lessons such as “we all can learn, we all can communicate, we all have likes and dislikes and we all want to belong.”

There are 23 students with autism who attend Stella Maris.

“All of them have different strengths,” said Connell. “Some need more support than others.”Connell added everyone at the school is understanding of those with autism. 

“We are very supportive at this school,” she said.

Stella Maris principal Marisa Wismer said the students did a great job in presenting the assembly. 

Wismer praised the teachers and EA’s at the school as well as the students for supporting those with autism. 

Students with autism have become “integral parts of their classrooms,” Wismer added.

Stella Maris promotes autism awareness

By Ron Giofu