Lester B. Pearson School Board “Levels UP” for Autism Month
submitted by Jade Lawsane
In 2021, the LBPSB’s Centre of Excellence for Autism Spectrum Disorder hosted an incredible webinar featuring Dr. Amy Laurent and Dr. Jacquelyn Fede (2021) who provided a new perspective about Autism month. They inspired us to start with embracing Autism awareness but not to remain stalled at this phase. They invited us to then strive towards taking the next step and moving towards autism acceptance, autism appreciation, empowerment and finally advocacy (AutismLevelUP, n.d.).
A number of schools participated in events throughout the month of April to Level UP for autism. Here are a few highlights:
Rainbow colours and the infinity symbol are widely recognized by the autistic community to represent the broad and complex variation of strengths and challenges related to the autism spectrum. Adorning rainbow colours by grade level, all students and staff of Wilder Penfield took part in an outdoor walk to celebrate autism. Parents were invited to join in this event. A donation was also made on behalf of the school to Autism Canada. The Edgewater School community also gathered in the yard to take a picture, dressed in rainbow colours and positioned in the infinity symbol. This photo aims to promote inclusivity and show the school’s support for autism.
Allion School welcomed Kate Zarbatany, a grade 11 student from Macdonald High School to speak to cycle 2 & 3 students and staff about her experiences with autism. Her talk was both insightful and inspiring. Students posed many thoughtful questions during this assembly.
Ben Lachapelle was the honoured guest of Lasalle Elementary Junior school. Ben is a talented autistic artist, author and animal knower “on a mission to spread joy and make the world more caring for animals and people (Lachapelle, n.d.).” He read to the students, displayed his artwork and passion for animals, demonstrated his “quick draw” talent and presented each student with a playdough animal figurine.
Moreover, the Centre of Excellence for Autism Spectrum Disorder hosted their annual major conference this month. Kelly Mahler, occupational therapist, led a full-day conference about interoception, an important sensory system that enables people to feel and to recognize internal body signals. Over 200 participants across Quebec attended this event and were able to benefit from Ms. Mahler’s experience and expertise in the field of autism.
The Centre of Excellence also loaned out virtual reality headsets with the app “In the Shoes of an Autistic Person.” This application, available in French and English, was co-designed by autistic adults as well as researchers from University of Montreal to sensitize people to the sensory experience of having autism. Over 50 students and staff from Edgewater, Allion, Lasalle Junior and Senior campuses, as well employees from LBPSB’s head office had the opportunity to test out this device. Here is a link describing this application.
Visit the Centre of Excellence website for a showcase of artwork from autistic students across the school board. Bravo to all the schools for Leveling UP for autism during the month of April and for keeping this inclusive momentum going all year round.
References:
Autism Level UP. (n.d.) Home [AutismLevelUP Facebook Page]. Facebook. Retrieved April 30, 2024 from https://www.facebook.com/AutismLevelUP
Lachapelle, B. Benanimalia [Webpage]. Retrieved April 30, 2024 from https://www.benanimalia.com/
Laurent, A., & Fede, J. (2021, April 26). Addressing Emotional Regulation in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder [Webinar]. Centre of Excellence for Autism Spectrum Disorder Annual Conference 2021, Dorval, Quebec, Canada.
