Mars school district highlights autism
Mars Area School District is working to generate autism awareness through several activities this April as part of Autism Awareness Month.
On Friday, students and staff wore blue, which is associated with autism through the advocacy group Autism Speaks.
“It is important for school districts to acknowledge students with autism,” said Travis Mineard, the district's director of special education. “By highlighting autism, we are opening discussions to accept students for their differences.”
Mineard, who has worked in public education for 24 years, said he never has worked with two autistic students who were the same.
Helping people understand that autism looks different from student to student is an important part of successful education, he explained.
“Everyone has their idea of what a student with autism look like,” Mineard said. “There is no mold for a student with autism, and as educators, we have to recognize that all students learn differently.”
Understanding autism isn't just for parents, teachers and classmates. It can be a community effort.
Communities can support families of autistic students in many ways. People can install blue porch lights during April or put out blue pumpkins at Halloween to indicate treat options for autistic children.
“You have no idea how much these small acts of kindness mean to families of students with autism,” Mineard said.
Many websites and books provide insight into autism, according to Mineard.
“I encourage families to start there,” he said.
The district's Special Education Parent Advisory Committee just released its first newsletter, dedicated to autism awareness.
The newsletter is available on the district website, www.marsk12.org. Navigate to the special/gifted education page and look under the “Special Education Parent Advisory Committee” tab.
A list of recommended books for Autism Awareness Month is included in the newsletter.
