Today at The New England Center for Children, a child with autism is learning a new skill, and because of you, caring teachers helped make that happen.
The children at NECC have challenges that many of us might take for granted. When you put your coat on this morning, did you think about the steps taken to zip or button it up? When our students finally achieve that task, with guidance and support from their teachers, it is a milestone in the lives of everyone involved.
Maya’s story
It was winter and 11-year-old Maya needed a coat on to go out to play in the snow. She grasped the zipper pull of her yellow coat for a moment, then let it fall from her right hand. She bit the collar of her coat and grunted, letting her hands fall to her sides.
Today marked the twelfth month of teaching Maya how to zip up her coat. Teachers Melissa and James worked with Maya on zipping her coat daily, through spring, summer, and early fall. Each coat-zipping session is grouped in attempts of ten, followed by breaks for other activities.
It’s now late fall and the teachers are taking the kids outside. “Maya, let’s get ready to go out to the playground, ok?” Melissa says. “Get your coat off the hook.” They both turn to see Maya pull on her coat and zip her jacket all the way up.
Melissa and James are still. The overhead lights buzz. James’ eyes become glossy. Melissa jumps and claps her hands. “Oh my, gosh! Oh Maya! Oh Maya, that’s great!”
Maya points at the zipper. “Again?” Melissa asks. She unzips her coat and watches as she zips it up again. And again. Five times in a row.
Melissa reaches for the phone and dials Maya’s parents. A tear strolls down her cheek. Eighteen months, she thinks. It only took eighteen months.
What took you 8 seconds to achieve this morning, took a child with the loving support and patience of her teachers, 18 months to accomplish. Imagine receiving that call about your child.
Your compassion means the world to a child with autism and to those teaching them.
On behalf our students and their families, thank you for your support!