Ashleigh Heaton
Entertainment Editor

Video by Chloe Lanier
KCBY Broadcast

April is Autism Awareness Month, and Coppell High School is doing its part to raise awareness within the school.

But what is autism? Many misconceptions circle around the disorder and how it is spread – however, autism isn’t something that is contagious at all. As a genetic disease, there is no way to prevent a child from developing autism in their lifetime.

The disability appears within the first three years of a child’s life and affects a person’s ability to communicate effectively with others. As a spectrum disease, autism affects a person at varying degrees – it can range from very mild to extremely severe.

“Autism affects kids in different ways,” Special Education teacher Carol Jackson said. “There is a good chance that in a graduating class of 800 kids, eight of those kids could have autism.”

Some signs of autism development can be seen early on and include: lack or delay in spoken language, repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (such as hand-flapping or twirling objects), little or no eye contact, lack of interest in peer relationships, lack of spontaneous or make-believe play and persistent fixation on parts of objects.

If found early on, autism can be treated to prevent the disability from progressing to an advanced state. Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the U.S., and there is currently no known cure for autism. However, programs such as the Autism Society, are constantly raising funds to help finds a cure.

The disorder affects a group of students at CHS – even though not all of them directly have the condition. P.E. Partners is a program allowing students effected with autism to interact with other high school student and build their social confidence through physical education classes. While it can be a challenge at times, the programs gives students the opportunity to grow closer to their fellow cowboys and cowgirls.

“It’s a challenge, but it’s definitely a treat,” senior and P.E. Partners participant Kim Dalrymple said.

Communication and social interaction are important for improving the lives of autistic persons, which is also facilitated through Special Education classes and clubs such as Circle of Friends. As a whole, CHS has the power to change the lives of autistic children by spreading awareness, supporting the cause and, most importantly, making an effort to include others through social interaction.

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