Teacher Helen Hassell talks autism with Sacred Heart School 4th grade

After a relaxing and enjoyable Easter vacation, Sacred Heart School pupils are back in school and ready to raise awareness and show their support to understand and beat autism by wearing special ribbons for the entire month of April, writes The Daily Herald.

Teacher Helen Hassell feels this is a good way to educate and help people understand the variations of the disorder. Hassell discussed autism with the fourth grade class Wednesday morning and shared letters and thoughts from autistic children with the class to help them better understand how autism can affect someone.

They had a good discussion back and forth and “the children were very empathetic, positive and understanding,” Hassell said.

The autism ribbon is composed of red, blue, and yellow puzzle pieces. The different colours represent the diversity of people and families living with the condition.

The brightness of the ribbon signifies hope that through increased awareness and through early intervention and access to appropriate services and support, people with autism will lead full lives and be able to interact with the world on their own terms.