Classical students give voice to autism

LYNN – Lynn Classical High School students gave autistic students a voice Wednesday when they may not have had one themselves.April is Autism Awareness Month, and Classical held a school-wide assembly on autism awareness before the close of the school day.Seventeen student aides in the COACh program (Creating Opportunities for Autistic Children) assist and participate with the direct instruction of academics, and social skills. They also often provide ideas for spreading awareness and inclusion, as well as for fundraising, according to Christine Lyman, special education department head.The students with autism introduced themselves to the audience with the guidance of COACh aides, who all wore shirts that read, “Different, not less.”?I want to thank the administration and staff for continually showing your support,” Lyman said. “I especially want to thank you, the student body, for reaching out and including our students and for demonstrating acceptance of students with autism spectrum disorders and all those who are different.”Olivia Lyon, student aide and a senior, said reaching out to students who are perceived as different is one of the best decisions she has ever made. She said the classroom for students with special needs is also in the A-hallway, where all students walk multiple times per day, and not in a secluded area of the school. Special-needs students are also involved in regular school activities, such as gym class and drama club performances.?They are for sure just as much a part of this Classical family as any of us are,” Lyon said. “Everybody has something in themselves that makes them different – and I believe that part of everyone is what truly makes us all unique and exciting.”Lyon and the other aides give up their study hall to serve the special-needs population. But for Lyon, it isn?t just community service. She will pursue a career in education at the University of Massachusetts, and possibly minor in special education.Riley Breen, a junior, was diagnosed with Asperger?s syndrome – a milder form of autism – at age 6. She has trouble reading social cues, wears shoes everywhere, isn?t able to be around loud noises without blocking her ears and isn?t able to eat certain foods because of their texture.But Breen doesn?t want the disability to stop her in life.?I have a bright future ahead of me,” Breen told the student body, “There will be struggle but much success. Sometimes, it is hard for me to make friends. Some kids think I?m quirky or different – and I am. I?m me.”Breen answered questions from students and staff after the assembly.Pamela Chet, a senior, also knows first-hand the challenges that come along with the spectrum. Her brother, Tyler, 8, has autism and is non-verbal.?My family hopes that one day Tyler will be able to talk, and, of course, I would love that, too, but Tyler doesn?t have to talk to tell me that he missed me; he wraps his arms around my neck and pulls me into a bear hug to tell me,” Chet said. “Many people live wonderful lives without ever using their voices to speak, and I hope to grow up and help give my brother the wonderful life he deserves.”Like Breen, Tyler Chet has trouble in social situations. He cries going to the grocery store and other public places, because he is afraid of the people and noise.But there?s hope.Thomas Mackin, student aide and emcee of the ceremony, said the COACh program teaches autistic students life skills.Principal Gene Constantino feels a close connection, as he began his career as a special-education teacher in the 1970s. He acknowledged parents who were in the audience, saying they?re heroes.