Bessemer students use classroom experiences to author book on autism

BESSEMER - For a class project, four A.D. Johnston High School class members wrote a book describing a day in the life of the title character Carter, an eighth-grade student who has Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The students are in a peer-to-peer class.

As part of the class, special education teacher Jamie Stiffarm said Rachel Emery, Ciara Novascone, Kimberly Wendinger and Blayne Pellinen spent time as peers for students with learning disabilities and helped them with their classwork.

The four authors worked together to create the story of Carter to raise awareness and understanding of the challenges and needs of students who have autism.

"Carter" tells the story of a fictional 13-year-old boy from New Jersey. Pellinen said Carter goes to New Jersey Middle School because it is the state with the highest autism birth rate in the county.

Like most people with autism, Carter tries to follow a daily routine.

In the book, Wendinger said Carter breaks his routine and forgets to do common activities, like eating breakfast and brushing his teeth.

"Unless someone reminds him to brush his teeth when he's younger, he won't remember to do it when he gets older," Wendinger said.

The four authors used their knowledge as peers to help Carter the same way they worked with their students, or links as they called them

In the book, Carter panics because he forgot his homework. His peer taught Carter breathing exercises to help him calm down.

Autism can make people uneasy when they hear loud noises.

On the bus, Carter becomes nervous when a boy yells at him. His peer sticks up for him and Carter feels happy because he made a friend.

Pellinen said autism can affect people's ability to understand other's intentions towards them, whether they're good or bad.

In the book, a group of kids called Carter a "blueberry" because he wore blue clothes. Carter interpreted the insult as a complement, and thanked them.

Novascone said Carter likes his blue shirt because it is made of heavy materials.

"The pressure makes him feel secure and calm," she said.

There is a blue puzzle piece on the book's cover. Emery said a blue puzzle piece is the worldwide symbol for autism awareness. World Autism Awareness Day is April 2.

The four Bessemer class mates each said the peer-to-peer class was a rewarding experience.

Looking back, Pellinen said the class taught him "so much."

"The work I do is so rewarding," he said. "This class has helped me understand why my brother does what he does, how to help him and has given me more patience."

Wendinger she learned how to see the classroom differently.

"I used to look at people and make a list of what they couldn't do," she said. "Now, I make a list of what they can do. I've learned to be patient with others and always encourage them to do their best. I've learned all about Autism Spectrum Disorder and how it not only affects the person with autism, but also the people close to them."

Novascone said she learned an important lesson as a peer.

"I've learned that helping others gives you one of the best feelings you can ever have," she said. "I've also learned different things about ASD. What can occur with autism is restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities. You usually discover it within the first two years of life. The word 'spectrum' refers to the wide range of symptoms."

Emery said being one-on-one with her links has "impacted her life tremendously."

"Not only have I taught my links subject matter, but I also have learned many life lessons working with such incredible people," she said.

"I have learned how to put myself in their shoes and figure out what learning styles suit their needs. I have become a more thoughtful individual because you never know (how) what you say or do can affect another person."

The four high school students hope to do a book signing in July. The money raised from book sales will benefit the peer-to-peer class.