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Navigating the World of Nonfiction: Geography Without Limits.
This young man has an amazing mind. Many times I have said that kids on the autism spectrum have superpowers, and he is proof of that. He loves all things about maps and geography and as an eighth grader in our school, won the prestigious title of Geography Bee winner. He is now an adult and his love of learning continues. He knows so many interesting facts and loves to read nonfiction. He is an expert in geography and loves and knows cars very well. Today I often see him at the local public library, a place we both visit and enjoy our conversations.
Even though he was not in my class, I would always look out for him and let him know that my class could be a refuge if he needed a break. He is kind, he is thoughtful and very well-mannered. At one time his mom worked with me and now works in the district as an elementary librarian. She is also kind and very considerate and it is easy to see how her son learned to be such a gentleman. She recently earned the “Going the Extra Mile” award and is very well deserving of this honor. She strives to know each child at her school, and what they like to read. With hugs and a warm personality, she is often listed as the favorite person at school. Her hard work ethic and a heart of gold make her very worthy of this award. This is a wonderful mother who raised a wonderful son.
Read about this young man and celebrate all his talents. We all have different gifts and talents, and I love the special gifts that this young man has.
Q: What is one thing you wish teachers know about your child that is not on the IEP?
A: How knowledgeable Marshall is about many different subjects because of his love of reading nonfiction.
Q: Scores on tests do not define the child. What is something your child is really good at that is not reflected on tests?
A: Knowledge of geography and maps (real-life GPS), car brands, bathroom fixture brands, nature preserves, and parks.
Q: How important is homework for your child? Is it just a burden, or is it a helpful
learning tool?
A: For some subjects it was helpful, for others we struggled with it regardless of the homework.
Q: How old was your child when you first knew he/she had special needs?
A: We started to notice when he was around one and a half to two years old.
Q: What is one piece of advice you have for someone who has a newly diagnosed child?
A: I would recommend, keep fighting for your child. Please make sure they get the help they need. Also, love them on their terms.
Q: What is one meal that everyone in your family likes to eat?
A: Pizza!
Q: What advice do you have for interacting with children with special needs?
A: Be patient, be kind, and bee-lieve in them. Actively listen to them, they know themselves best.
Q: What activities do you recommend to other parents to foster self-care?
A: Have something that is just yours, whether that be an activity or special place to go to reconnect with yourself. You will be wrong at some point, and that’s okay! Take time to relax and smell the roses, it’s not easy to be a special needs parent but the gift you’ve been given is so worth it.
Q: Are there any support groups that you recommend for parents or children?
A: I don’t have one in mind, but support from other families is very helpful. Perhaps, try to find or begin a group within your community.
Q: What are your favorite family activities?
A: Going to museums, traveling, zoos and parks, joking with one another, Jeopardy, and learning something new every day.