Light it Up Blue event raises awareness of autism

By Ben Woods
bwoods@casscountynow.com

The Light it Up Blue autism awareness event took place at the historical Cass County Courthouse on April 11.
The event featured children with autism and their siblings saying the pledge of allegiance, and event coordinator Shirley Baker’s son, Will Baker, sang the national anthem.
Shirley Baker spoke about autism in children and the need for early intervention.
“Early intervention is your child’s best hope for the future and will provide instruction that will build on his or her strengths,” said Baker. “As you know it can be very challenging to teach young children with autism, but we are very blessed to have in our community L-K teachers who care and want to help every child succeed.” 
Linden-Kildare Junior High teacher Margaret Eaves spoke about her calling to work with special needs students and her experiences and struggles in working with children with autism. 
“My very first student I worked with was a student with autism when I was working as a teacher’s aid,” said Eaves. She said that spurred her career as a teacher specializing in special-needs students.
“I feel like teaching students with special needs is not a just a job, it is a calling, and there a very few that understand that,” said Eaves.
Eaves has a master’s degree in education with special education as her main field of study, and is also a certified educational diagnostician.
“It is a blessing to work with the student and also the parents, because as a team we can make it happen, she said, “And with some parents we share the same goals for the students to be successful, and not only in school.
“They need to learn skills that will help them be a better person outside of the classroom.”
There are three different types of autism: autism disorder, Asperger’s syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder. 
“Boys are more affected than girls, you will find more boys with that than you will girls,” said Eaves.
Eaves also spoke during the event about the signs and symptoms of autism.