Westfield Freshman Awarded for Dedication to Autism Awareness

Since age 10, Alex Jackman has been working with the organization Autism Family Times as a peer mentor for children with Autism and she recently created a video to provide a better understanding of people with Autism.

She says the experience is both rewarding and eye-opening.

Jackman, a freshman at Westfield High School, was presented with a Freeholder sponsored resolution for her dedication to Autism Awareness.

She has recently created a video aimed to encourage teens to understand and accept those with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  

During Jackman’s time in the Teddy Roosevelt Scholars independent study program at Roosevelt Intermediate School last year (eighth grade), she wrote and directed the video as her class project.

“The purpose of my specific project was to help teenagers be more aware and understanding of people with autism spectrum disorder,” Jackman explained. “The video is so important to me because I feel it could help anyone, especially typically-developing teens, to feel that they can interact and get to know people with autism and not be scared of the differences. People tend to be more accepting when they are more knowledgeable.”

In the video, Jackman asks middle school students and teachers “What is Autism?” many of them who are unsure. She also speaks to the founder of Autism Family Times, parents of children with Autism, an Autism educator and a doctor. She also highlights children of all ages with Autism and even adults who have Autism. Take a look at the full video. 

In October, the Board of Education also recognized Jackman’s efforts during the district’s, “Week of Respect.”

“I think it will make a difference,” Superintendent Margaret Dolan said of her video.