WESTVIEW T H E
S C H O O L F O R H I G H - F U N C T I O N I N G C H I L D R E N W I T H A U T I S M S P E C T R U M D I S O R D E R
Talking About ASD
Alumni Update
In Thanksgiving
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Happy Holidays A NOTE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
Inside
YOUR GUIDE TO THE WINTER ISSUE
3 Talking about ASD
5 Alumni Update
7 In Thanksgiving
“A parent’s willingness to talk about autism casually and often reduces the likelihood of anxiety or shame and increases the likelihood of comprehension.”
Telling my Child and Others about Autism Spectrum Disorder:
Who Needs to Know What and When? As parents or caregivers, we want to protect our children. So it’s understandable that many struggle with talking to kids about their disabilities. “What if I tell him he has autism and it hurts his self-esteem? What if she learns a sense of helplessness?” We think that maybe if we don’t tell, we can save our loved ones the embarrassment of being different. However, high-functioning children (and adults) on the autism spectrum are aware that they are different. They may not attend the same school as their siblings. They are not invited as often to parties. They know they don’t fit in, but they don’t know why. “The literature is abundantly clear: talking openly about a difference or disability is the right choice,” says Dr. Natalie Montfort of The Stewart Center, a full-service psychology clinic serving children and families in the Houston community. “Think about adoption – it used to be that you didn’t tell an adoptee. But that turned out to be ultimately traumatic or damaging. People eventually find out later in life for various reasons.” Dr. Montfort says that the same seems to appear true for individuals with ASD. Telling a child in a language they can understand can increase self-awareness, empowerment and self-advocacy and result in a greater understanding of the individual’s strengths and weaknesses. Age doesn’t seem to matter as long as it’s appropriate language – they might not get it the first time, and that’s okay too, Dr. Montfort explains. “A parent’s willingness to talk about autism casually and often reduces the likelihood of anxiety or shame and increases the likelihood of comprehension. And if you still don’t want to talk about it, remember this: they WILL find out! Would you rather it be from you, or from someone like a peer in school who may not be so nice?” she says. Dr. Montfort also explains that parents have a choice in telling others, such as extended family members or even strangers, about their child’s disability. There are two good options: to ignore, or to educate.
“If someone asks me a question, before I get defensive, I always say, ‘Why do you ask?’ This gives wellmeaning strangers the opportunity to explain themselves or clarify a question. Often times they are just curious and don’t mean any harm,” she says. “If you see a child in a wheelchair or with a more obvious difference or disability, you can understand why they may be acting differently,” says Angela Jennings, whose son is diagnosed with ASD. “But autism is the invisible disability. If my son is having a meltdown in the middle of the grocery store, people might just think he’s spoiled.” Angela says she made “business cards” to hand out to people when they were curious or looking at her family strangely. “Dr. Montfort told me that no matter what I do, some people just won’t get it, and that’s okay. It’s not my job to make them understand!” she says. Often times, other kids can be the harshest critics. Dr. Montfort offers this advice for talking to other children about your child’s disability: “Explain stimming or other unusual behavior to kids. Invite them to ask questions, and let them know that autism is not ‘contagious.’” “We need to let children know at a young age that it’s okay to embrace differences. If we cultivate a culture of acceptance, we will all be better as a community and as a society as a whole,” says Donna Marshall, Head of School at The Westview School.
For more information on how to talk to your child and others about autism spectrum disorder or for information about testing and services, please contact The Stewart Center at 713-973-1842.
Paola Gutierrez
ALUMNI UPDATE Above: Paola is majoring in neuroscience with a minor in Spanish at Trinity University in San Antonio. Below: It is a tradition for freshmen to climb Murchison Tower (seen in the background) and shake the hand of the President of the university at the top during First-Year Orientation. Seniors climb it once more to repeat the tradition before graduation.
It’s a story that most adults can relate to: being picked on in middle and high school, feeling out of place, and then realizing that college is a whole new world filled with people who “get” you. But imagine feeling out of place from the time you were very small, not being able to interpret facial expressions or gestures, and always struggling to fit in socially. For Paola Gutierrez, who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in 1999, such was life. “When I got to college, it was a fresh start. I was forced to get out of my comfort zone,” Paola says. “The college atmosphere at Trinity University is so much more inviting. People are mature and very open at my university.” Paola attended The Westview School at the age of 2. Although she was very young during her tme at Westview, Paola says she vividly remembers playing in the sand box with water. “I know that the foundation Westview gave me helped get me where I am today,” she says.
Photography by Rebecca Burt
Above: Paola at Miller Fountain on Trinity’s campus Top right: Puppy love Right: Giving out “free hugs” with a friend Bottom right: At the San Antonio Symphony concert with friends
And to say she is doing well is an understatement. Paola is majoring in neuroscience with a minor in Spanish and plans to pursue an M.D. after graduation. She’s not just excelling academically; Paola has blossomed socially, as well. She is a member of Alpha Pi Omega, a volunteering fraternity, and is active in an inter-varsity Bible study group, among other activities. “My favorite memories and outings during college have been spontaneous outings to Walmart at ridiculous hours with my friends!” she says. Paola volunteered during summer camp last July to give back to Westview. “I know what the kids are thinking and what they’re struggling with, so it’s easy for me to help them work and play,” she says. “It was great to be back on the Westview campus!” Are you a former student with a story to share? We’d love to hear from you! Send an email to aharris@westviewschool.org and let us know what you’ve been up to and where you’re going.
IN THAN
Thanksgiving is a special time at Westview. All students prepare traditional Thanksgiving feasts and invite their families to enjoy the food and fellowship.
The checkout process is great practice for social skills because students interact with the cashier. Teachers encourage students to make eye contact and say “thank you.”
“There are so many lessons being taught when the students are preparing the meals,” says Donna Marshall, Head of School. “It’s not just lunch; we are teaching life skills that these kids will carry with them their entire lives.”
Math skills are also testing during checkout. Children figure out how much to pay and make sure that they are given the correct change.
The lessons begin with shopping for supplies and ingredients. Each class prepares a shopping list and then takes a field trip to local grocery stores to shop.
When they return to school, students get to work preparing traditional holiday dishes, such as green beans, mashed potatoes, stuffing and turkey.
“The shopping trip is very important, because many students have never been to a grocery store!” says Donna. “But when these children grow up and potentially live on their own, they need to know how to shop for groceries and take care of themselves.”
“Following simple instructions like recipes and working together with peers can be difficult for our students,” says Julie Walker, lower elementary teacher. “Practice makes perfect. Our class did a great job learning how to make their own butter by putting cream into small jars and shaking until it turned to butter.” It was a great opportunity for a science lesson as well, she says.
The children must navigate the aisles and find the ingredients they need, then take the items to the checkout counter and pay.
During the feasts, students continue to practice social interactions by learning to say “yes, please,” or “no, thank you,” when being served.
KSGIVING
“I can’t tell you how many kids I’ve seen yell out, ‘I don’t like that!’ or start crying when you put something green on their plates! It can be a bit embarrassing for parents if they’re around relatives and friends. Instead, we teach them to politely decline or try one bite,” says Julie. Many parents are pleasantly surprised to see their children sitting at the table, eating with the group. Donna says that because families are so busy with work, school and extra activities such as therapies, they often miss the opportunity to share a meal around a table with one another. “Meal time is very special because it gives us the opportunity to share with each other what’s going on in our lives,” she says. “Our hope is that our families remember to get together as often as they can and just talk to their kids. It makes a huge difference in their social growth.” Donna also says that some parents are hesitant to have dinner at the table because they are worried that their children will misbehave or won’t sit still.
“We have to practice these skills so that our children get used to the routine of eating as a family,” she says. “I know it takes time and it will be difficult for a while, but in the end it is so worth it!” Parents are also excited to experience a special tradition in the lower elementary classes: to have each child stand up in front of the group and say what they are thankful for. “For my son, just getting up in front of the crowd and speaking is a huge deal,” says Kendall Knight. “But he stood up and told the entire room that he was thankful for for marbles, his brother Nixon and his dad!” “I am so blessed to be a part of The Westview School,” says Donna. “We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful group of students, families and staff who make up our Westview family. Sharing these special times is what Thanksgiving is all about.”
Lynn Clouser Kelly, former parent speaker at the 2015 luncheon, with son, Marshall
THE WESTVIEW SCHOOL FUNDRAISING LUNCHEON Every Westview family has a story of their journey with autism. Join us at this year’s luncheon to learn more about how current and former families “found their way” through the autism landscape and continue to navigate the voyage. Wednesday, February 24, 2016 River Oaks Country Club Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Program and Lunch from noon to 1:00 There is no cost to attend the luncheon - no tickets needed. Simply RSVP to John Moring: jmoring@westviewschool.org
The Stewart Center at The Westview School
A full-service psychology clinic serving families in the Houston community • • • • •
Educational Assessments Psychological Assessments Individual & Group Therapy Parent & Sibling Support Social Skills Groups
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Assessment & Treatment of Neurodevelopmental Disorders Including ASD, ADHD, ID & Learning Disabilities from Early Childhood to Adulthood
Not sure where to begin? Call 713-973-1842 or email info@stewartcenterhouston.org and our team of highly-experienced professionals can help. ASK ABOUT OUR FREE PARENT EDUCATION SERIES! Topics include talking to your children about their diabilities, cognitive development in children with ASD, transitioning to the workforce and more! The Stewart Center 1830 Kersten Drive | Houston, TX 77043 | 713.973.1842 www.westviewschool.org/stewart-center
Do you know someone who would be a good fit for The Westview School?
Please send them our way!
The Westview School is the school for high-functioning children with autism spectrum disorder ages 2 through 15 years. Students are high functioning and often excel in academic areas; however, they may struggle with social interaction and social communication skills. Students are academically capable, and a state-aligned curriculum is offered on every level. Instruction is modified as necessary to meet individual students’ needs. Classes are kept appropriately small, usually ranging from four to eight students, each with a teacher and full-time assistant. We are now enrolling in all levels for the 2015-2016 school year. If you would like more information about our program or would like to refer a potential family, please contact our director of admissions, Becky Mattis.
Admissions Contact Becky Mattis Director of Admissions bmattis@westviewschool.org 713.973.1900 ext. 200
Schedule a Tour Melanie King Assistant to Head of School mking@westviewschool.org 713.973.1900 ext. 125 We invite professionals, potential parents and all members of the community to visit the school to learn more about our program. Tours are scheduled Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to noon except on school holidays.
1900 Kersten Drive Houston, TX 77043
THE WESTVIEW SCHOOL 1900 Kersten Drive | Houston, TX 77043 Phone 713.973.1900 | Fax 713. 973.1970 www.westviewschool.org | info@westviewschool.org The school for high-functioning children with autism spectrum disorder