Spotlight


Enhancing support for students with autism


Video Transcript

Enhancing support for students with autism – Petrolia, Ontario

Sarah Busby – Eric's mother

"Eric is a wonderful, 10 year–old boy – he has autism, really has trouble with expressive communication..."

(Sound of a frustrated Eric saying "No!" to his aide in class)

"He is really challenged by transitions, doesn't move very well from one activity to the next – we began planning for his transition to this school last year, and with all the appropriate preperations and communication tools in place, he's done phenomenally well."

Dawn Marie Primeau – Education Assistant, Queen Elizabeth II P Public School, Petrolia

"Eric begins his day with doing the attendance, that helps him transition from home to school. He;s given worksheets that he can complete on his own. To complete class notes he uses 'Writing With Symbols.'"

"Using the SmartBoard in the classroom – it's very interactive for Eric. It's beneficial for the whole classroom and it gives him the opportunity to be involved with everybody else."

Todd Hayward – Principal, Queen Elizabeth II P Public School, Petrolia

"The team effort here has been a fantastic thing for everyone. And, the success that we have had is that Eric is here now and he is happy, he wants to come to school, and he looks like any other kid in our building, which I think is a really fantastic thing and is really the benchmark that we're looking for."

Leona Dombrowsky – Minister of Education

"Autism affects about 1 in 150 children. The Ministry of Education empowers school boards and schools to provide student–centered programs and services to meet the individual needs of each child and their families."

(Sound of Sarah Busby greeting Eric at the end of his school day)

Sarah Busby – Eric's mother

"The environment is so positive, and so condusive to him being completely integrated and accepted. He's comfortable here, he's learning and he's enjoying it."

"That's so encouraging as a parent."

For more information visit: ontario.ca/education