The Big Event

I found my specific event on TheAtlantic.com, and was immediately interested. My mother has worked in education for many many years, so I have a unique perspective on how teachers work with students with disabilities. After reading this article, I wanted to research and see if there was any progress since 2013 on supporting these children. 

When Henry was 15 months old, his mother noticed a speech delay. She took him to a doctor, who referred them to an Early Intervention Program, which basically meant that a therapist would come to his home and work with him. Henry’s therapist was named Hope. She was patient with him, and because he wouldn’t speak quite yet, she watched his body language and understood how he was feeling. This is the type of therapist I hope to be one day. Henry began to get along with her and listen; he loved her. However, as Henry grew up, his behavior became irrational. He would become upset at the tiniest things, causing teachers to discipline him without understanding something was wrong with him. Eventually, he was diagnosed with autism, which meant schools could give him an alternative learning plan. However, he excelled in academics, but suffered in social situations, so these adjustments were not really helping him. Henry loved following the rules, and got very upset if he accidentally broke one. His mother felt that this diagnosis was not completely fitting for him, so she took him back to the doctor who diagnosed him with Asperger’s Syndrome. People with Asperger’s are generally very smart, but lack social skills.  Henry got though elementary school but only with the help of a very understanding teacher. When it came time to go to Junior High, Henry’s parents knew that the very little support they had would be gone at this higher level of education. They knew that the bullying would get worse, so they decided to homeschool. This meant that she has to work all weekend in order to be home all week to teach him. But it works for Henry, and that is what is important.

Amy Mackin, "Henry" 1-3-13 via TheAtlantic.com