Fresh Start School ( FOCUS)  visited Watertown High School’s lecture hall on Tuesday, April 24th, to talk to WHS students about autism awareness. FOCUS is a school specifically for students with autism, helping them with school work and social interactions. Donna Sawson and her husband Fred Evans are Co-Founders of the school. They started this Center around 25 years ago. The couple founded this idea when Donna was working in a private practice. She was introduced to two kids who had autism and fell in love with their personalities and honesty. Due to the school’s small nature, the staff can be very flexible and meet the student’s needs and work on building relationships. The goal of the school is to provide a place to make them feel safe and included, and build confidence as well as guide them along the path to advocacy. 

The panel had 4 people with autism who were able to share their strengths and weaknesses with the students. The group was openly vulnerable with how they felt and what they would like to see differently from society. “Autism is really about relationships and it’s one of the most important things for them, it means the world to them. It does not have to be anything crazy you just have to be kind, let them be seen, and be heard,” says Donna. Maeghen Plourde is the Principal at Fresh Start. She explains that meeting one individual with autism is not always the same as meeting another. One person’s challenges might be another person’s strengths, therefore she recommends others (especially students) to be patient and understanding for those with autism. She shared that these students occasionally require additional time to process information, whether that is social cues, conversations, or any sort of educational learning. 

Jesse, 31, is a co-team leader of the panel with autism and has been with FOCUS for 15 years. He admits that one of his assets is his ability to respond quickly to duties and his intuitive nature. When Jesse was asked what one piece of advice people in society should take away, he said to, “give those with autism a few opportunities to get to know them.” Most people with autism struggle to make strong first impressions as a result of anxiousness or other challenges. He advises you to be kind and give that individual another chance to make a good impression so that you can get to know them better. 

The final question before the panel was closed was, “How does inclusion appear to you?”  Many expressed their opinion that they should make a few adjustments to allow others to get to know them truly. Others stated that they wanted to be treated like people and not just objects, and that their peers should truly accept them for who they are, rather than seeking them for entertainment or unfulfilled needs. WHS is incredibly appreciative of this fantastic chance to speak with autistic students and the members of staff from the Fresh Start school. Along with obtaining knowledge on how to help them feel more included in society and at school.