A St. Albert school is getting three awards today for its work to help an autistic student grow.
The Autism Society of Edmonton Area is presenting three awards to the staff and students of J.J. Nearing Catholic Elementary this May 21 for their work with autistic students.
The awards are meant to recognize people and groups who go above and beyond when it comes to supporting those with autism, says society spokesperson Jade Nesvold.
The awards are going to educational assistant Tammy Curial, Robert Kelly's Grade 5 class and the school's workforce.
Parent Perla R. nominated the school and its staff for the awards in recognition of their support for her son, Miguel.
"Miguel has been so integrated into the school," she says, and has become a much happier student as a result.
"He is so motivated by his peers to go to school."
Life with Miguel
Autism is a neurological developmental disorder that affects how the brain processes information, leading to repetitive patterns of behaviour and deficits in a person's ability to socialize and communicate, Nesvold says. About one in 68 children have it.
Autism makes it challenging for those who have it to interact with others around them, she continues. Children might not make eye contact with their peers, for example, or be hypersensitive to light, sound, or touch. Others may repeat unusual behaviours such as rocking, leading others to ostracize them.
"That's one of the biggest problems – the social isolation."
For Miguel, autism means that he cannot speak and sometimes becomes anxious in social situations, says Curial, who has worked with him for three years. He needs constant one-on-one coaching as a result.
Miguel uses a tablet device that can speak words for others to hear, such as "Miguel want eat chips." He also works with an aide dog from Dogs With Wings to help with anxiety issues; specialists, and aides like Curial.
Curial is a very patient, kind person who can see the potential in her students, says co-worker Carla Stanley. She also has an endless amount of energy, and is always willing to try something new.
She also has an amazing knack for picking up on Miguel's body language, says Kelly, Miguel's teacher. Whereas others might shrug off the sight of Miguel rubbing his shoe, Curial will know that it's a sign of uncomfortable footwear.
A registered nurse, Curial says she's always wanted to help kids, and started out as a volunteer at the school.
She says she was surprised to learn about this award. "To me, I just do what I do."
Curial says she spends part of the day with Miguel in the library working on literacy and fitness.
The rest of the day is spent in Mr. Kelly's Grade 5 class. While the rest of the class learns about grammar, Curial works with Miguel on his own lessons.
It's great to have him in the room, Kelly said, and many students hang out and talk with him at recess.
"Having him around makes the other students more aware of the variety of needs that people have," he said, and to develop empathy for those around them. It also helps Miguel's social skills.
Miguel's parents help by sending the class weekly reports about what they do outside of school, he continues.
"This is a kid who's the same as you and me," he says. "He's a part of clubs … He goes on vacations."
It's important for kids to learn to accept others and overcome the stigma around autism, Stanley says.
"Just because (Miguel) can't communicate verbally like everybody else doesn't mean he doesn't have something to say."
Having autistic students in the classroom benefits both students and the community, Kelly says. But those students need the right supports behind them, including dedicated parents, educational assistants and technology.
J.J. Nearing feels privileged to have Miguel and others like him as students, says vice-principal Gina Anstruther.
"They're a part of our family."
