Kids & Family

Westfield Freshman Recognized for Work With Special Needs Students

Alex Jackman recently created the video, 'A Student's Guide to Understanding Autism.'

In recognition of the Westfield School District’s “Week of Respect,” the Board of Education brought in Westfield High School freshman, Alex Jackman, who is very active in the community working with peers who have Autism or other special needs.

Since age 10, Jackman has been working with the organization Autism Family Times as a peer mentor for children with Autism.

Jackman created the video, “A Student’s Guide to Understanding and Communicating with People with Autism,” as part of the Teddy Roosevelt Scholar program during her 8th grade year at Roosevelt Intermediate School.

The Board of Education explained that the video is a perfect example for the “Week of Respect,” because Jackman shed light on the fact many students leave out children with special needs.

“Many students ignore classmates with special needs because they don’t understand how to interact with them,” Jackman explained. “Which is the simple explanation of why I created the video.”

She added she hopes as many people as possible will view the video. Dr. Margaret Dolan said hundreds of Westfield students have already watched the video and student in other districts have as well.

“I think it will make a difference,” Dolan said.

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

 

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