This week's wonderful Wednesday share comes from the Richmond and Twickenham Times and is about a group of three kids at secondary school who have taken it upon themselves to help their friend with autism at school.
Harrison, Megan and Alfie all offered to make sure Geoffrey was socially involved in the school and look out for him around the school. After three years, the trio have been presented a Princess Diana Award. But it's not this great award that makes this week's share wonderful, it's the attitudes of those within the article.
Harrison, who has known Geoffrey since primary school, said, "I don't look at it as volunteering because Geoffrey is our friend and we want to make sure he feels happy in school."*
I love this.
Perhaps it's because kids with autism are less likely to be hidden from society. They are more likely to be included in schools, business, society, though be assured I think there is still along way to go. But, Geoffrey is another friend at school who happens to have autism. And what do you do for friends you look out for them.
Like my son being helped off the stage at a concert or handed a model to hold up by his classmate during a school assembly, they look out for each other. Brilliant. And it's vice-versa too. One of Anthony's friends said, "Whenever I ask to play with Anthony he always lets me."
A member of staff from the school said, "It is also a two way process, providing an opportunity for his friends to develop their understanding and appreciation of what it means to be on the autistic spectrum."*
It's true that appropriate provision, services and more can improve the lives of people with autism, but autism awareness and acceptance could ultimately be what leads to real change for people with autism.
You can read all the article here. *Quotes are taken directly from this article.
Links
Our blog - The hope I see in the kind acts of children
Our blog - Never taught how to break the ice - In a different key
Our blog - It's not supposed to be them versus us
This is lovely. My son has aspergers so I really hope he makes friends and has lovely people around him like this x #marvmondays
ReplyDeleteIts so lovely when you hear and read things like this. This is how we become a society that is inclusive, fair and supportive. Great example of a more positive future generation of young people. Thanks for sharing this on #MarvMondays. Emily
ReplyDelete