Group Discussion: Education

Christopher: One thing people don't understand is how we have such understanding when appropriate education is denied to us. Really I was never taught more than basics in school. But I am always listening. You can hear a lot when you don't talk. I am always paying attention even when it does not look like it.

Joe: Yes it is interesting to me that people think we didn't learn if we didn't have a traditional school experience. I have learned so much because I absorb all that is around me. Like I understand Italian because people around me speak it. I also understand literature and math and things from paying attention to the world around me.

Dylan: Exactly right. Even though I did not have a teacher teach me things like reading skills, I still can read. I love my brain. I love learning.

Alex D: Having everyone think that what we are taught in school is our limit is frustrating. Because I cannot speak purposefully I am thought to have no reason or understanding and kept being punished by not getting information equal to my intelligence. It is only by having advocates like my parents that school at least tried to educate me eventually. However like everyone said I learned by tuning into the world around me. And it taught me everything.

Rose: I love this topic. I actually enjoyed school. I loved being part of a big school community. I made good friends. I went to prom with Alex. I had good times with some people. It was hard everyone does not get me. I like that here everyone knows the real Rose. I wish more people at my old school knew the real me. I am happy that more people are learning.

Jack: I have a lot of goals for my education. Going to college to learn even more is important. I love learning. I want to learn so many things. I am taking as many classes as I can now. I really loved taking organic chemistry. I love covering all the books we read as a group. My favorite is "Grapes of Wrath."

Alex D: Happy that Rose brought up positive school memories too. I loved prom with you too, Rose. I think everyone is on their own path. Walking your path sounds inspiring, Jack. Having a clear vision how you get there is great. For me I am happy just learning what I am passionate about. Music and advocacy for spellers is top of the list.

Rose: I love that idea of learning what you feel passion about. I think I am still trying to find my passion. I am learning lots of all things till I find it.

Christopher: I feel like education is too big a topic for just one blog post. In terms of goals, definitely want to explore my interests. Having the opportunity to do age appropriate learning here is fun. I want to learn more kinesiology. I think it could help apraxic people a lot.

Joe: I am hopeful about continuing my education. I am yet to decide how though. I am thinking online college courses are a good fit. That is similar to how I am now doing high school courses. I don't have a plan past college. I just love learning and want to do it as long as I can. I love history most of all. It makes me feel so satisfied to be given material that is right for my abilities. That is why it is important to be where people presume competence.

Jack: Yes yes yes! Presuming competence is vital. That means you should always presume people are capable and intelligent even if they look or sound different. I had people trying to teach me basic arithmetic when I was a teenager. When my mom found spelling and people who understand that I am not intellectually disabled, everything changed. Once we unlocked a way to get my words out I passed high school algebra and geometry in one year. I can learn anything and I already know more than most people give me credit for.

Dylan: My love of learning has usually been unseen. Not many people presume competence. That is why it is special to be here.

Maude: I am so much smarter than anyone knows when they meet me. I am excited that we all hope to keep learning and growing. My goal is to go to college to keep studying literature and science. I am sure we can all achieve our hopes and change how people see autism.