Spreading Autism Awareness at Francis Lewis
April was National Autism Awareness Month at Francis Lewis High School as staff and teachers at Francis Lewis created multiple visual displays to bring awareness to the developmental disability. Colorful puzzle pieces, a symbol of autism, were hung from the ceiling, and a bulletin board depicting a large paper tree with puzzle type leaves and messages were on display on the third floor hallway.
“The purpose of the month is to bring awareness to something that has been somewhat in the dark for many years,” ISS teacher Mr. Sasso said.
Gregory Aronoff, a sophomore with autism, was grateful to see the colorful displays.
“It’s very good,” Aronoff said. “I felt supported.”
When asked about his favorite part of the display, Aronoff replied with a laugh.
“Everything, I don’t have a favorite.”
According to the Autism Society, one in 59 children in the United States are born with autism, and it is the fastest growing developmental disability in this country.
“It’s important to me because I think that people who are autistic view the world a little bit differently,” said science and ISS teacher Ms. Conklin. “There’s a lot that they can share with you and I, and the place we live in.”
