First and second grade students participated in an interactive puppet workshop designed to foster understanding and acceptance of individual differences, specifically autism spectrum and related disorders, on December 21.
The puppet workshop, held in the Primary Elementary School Library, was presented by two professionals specializing in school psychology, special education, speech language pathology and occupational therapy from the Margaret L. Williams Developmental Evaluation Center. There was a session for each grade level.
At the conclusion of the puppet workshop, each student received a one-page worksheet providing information on autism spectrum disorders. Teachers were also given age-appropriate activities to help reinforce the messages of the workshop.
“This group of educators does a wonderful job helping our kids understand the needs of students with autism,” Primary Elementary School Principal Mrs. O’Connell said. “This year, we are hosting two additional Upstate Cerebral Palsy classrooms in the Primary Building, as well as several BOCES classes and our district students with special needs. Our kids have a lot of opportunities to demonstrate patience and understanding with all students with disabilities.”
The Margaret L. Williams Developmental Evaluation Center is affiliated with Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital in Syracuse. The Center provides services to families with young children at risk for or with developmental disabilities. Since opening in 1982, the Center has specialized in serving children with complex developmental difficulties with a special focus on autism spectrum disorders.