https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl Resources to support the text. en-us 2020-07-15 19:23:15 UTC 2025-02-11 20:05:02 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-uploads.storage.googleapis.com/639614721/33a72b41bd05c3abb91c9efabe908243/110_1106529_jigsaw_clip_art_puzzle_pieces_clipart.png jennifercyphers https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655411109
Works Cited:
Lucas, R. (2017). The state of Grace. New York, New York: Macmillan Publishing Group.]]> 2020-07-15 19:48:24 UTC https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655411109 jennifercyphers https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655412221 1. How can society recognize neurodiversity and foster meaningful inclusion with our friends on the autism spectrum?

2. Specifically, how do you accommodate neurodiversity when you encounter it in others?]]> 2020-07-15 19:50:08 UTC https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655412221 jennifercyphers https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655434137 This is the story of Grace, a 15 year old girl who just happens to be autistic. The story is written in first person POV, so we hear Grace's thoughts and feelings as she navigates interactions with her family, her peers, her teachers, and more. Grace is in the 10th grade. She has friends, a horse, a crush on the new kid in school, and a great sense of humor! Take a look inside Grace's thoughts as she navigates her very full life all while on the autism spectrum. This story was Written by Rachael Lucas who has autism, herself. The State of Grace provides great insight into the daily experience of living on the autism spectrum. Click on the link to read the many positive reviews for yourself!

FlipGrid
Please check out my Book Talk about The State of Grace!

]]> 2020-07-15 20:22:42 UTC https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655434137 jennifercyphers https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655447582 Link to Rachael Lucas's website. Discover more about the author through her blog on her personal website.
Even more to discover here CLICK LINK]]> 2020-07-15 20:44:35 UTC https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655447582 jennifercyphers https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655451666 8th Grade]]> 2020-07-15 20:52:03 UTC https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655451666 jennifercyphers https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655465344
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.1
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 8 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.2
Analyze the purpose of information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and evaluate the motives (e.g., social, commercial, political) behind its presentation.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.1.d
Acknowledge new information expressed by others, and, when warranted, qualify or justify their own views in light of the evidence presented.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.8.4
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including analogies or allusions to other texts.


]]> 2020-07-15 21:15:01 UTC https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655465344 jennifercyphers https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655469563 The purpose of this text set is to explore the ways neurodiversity in autism presents itself in order to build awareness and acceptance, but also to build the skills necessary to foster inclusion. You will be exposed to literature and other resources created by those who identify as being on the autism spectrum. Main characters you encounter here will also be those who identify as being on the autism spectrum. The autism spectrum includes those who prefer the Asperger's label, so you will encounter that, as well. You are encouraged to use these texts to develop your understanding of the autism spectrum and to participate in dialogue which seeks to expand your knowledge and skills of inclusion of diversity. Throughout your explorations of the text set materials, keep in mind the Essential Questions listed above:

1. How can society recognize neurodiversity and foster meaningful inclusion with our friends on the autism spectrum?

2. Specifically, how do you accommodate neurodiversity when you encounter it in others?

Connections
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.1
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 8 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.1.d
Acknowledge new information expressed by others, and, when warranted, qualify or justify their own views in light of the evidence presented.

Grade Level Complexity
Mid-level complexity, Peer/Teacher-led Discussion

]]> 2020-07-15 21:22:41 UTC https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655469563 jennifercyphers https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655568324 Video
Summary:
In this TedTalk, 16 year old Rosie King discusses the advantages and disadvantages of her specific autism. ]]> 2020-07-16 00:33:44 UTC https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655568324 jennifercyphers https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655572659 This six minute long TedTalk by 16 year old Rosie King provides personal insight from a teenager living on the autism spectrum. Ms. King's perspectives are delivered with a dose of humor and  include descriptions of personal struggles to relate with peers and to communicate with neurotypical people in her daily activities. She also explains to the audience that her two siblings are also autistic, but that they, unlike herself, are non-verbal.
This video provides detailed descriptions of life on the autism spectrum by a primary source. Rosie King is a typical high school student navigating life while on the autism spectrum. Her first-hand accounts are invaluable resources to students wishing to learn more about diversity. While the anchor text explored the fictional life of an autistic high school student, this TedTalk provides a platform for an actual 16 year old high school student to describe her experiences to listeners.
Video provided differentiated access to the same subject offered in anchor text.

Connections
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.1
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 8 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.2
Analyze the purpose of information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and evaluate the motives (e.g., social, commercial, political) behind its presentation.

Grade Level Complexity
Beginning-level complexity, Peer-led/Teacher-Led Discussion

Thoughts/Recommendations
First person account in video format to open dialogue between students and teacher about diversity of communication skills and styles that exist with people on the autism spectrum. Preferable to watch and discuss video after reading the anchor text in order to contrast communication styles and concerns expressed by both Grace and Rosie. This video discussion offers a grade level complexity that is at a 8th grade level, but the discussion can be driven to explore above grade level complexities within peer-led/teacher led discussions.

Citation
King, R. (2014). How autism freed me to be myself. [Video]. TED Conferences. Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/rosie_king_how_autism_freed_me_to_be_myself#t-2549


]]> 2020-07-16 00:40:33 UTC https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655572659 jennifercyphers https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655698887 Newspaper Article
Summary:
In this San Diego Union Tribune article, we are introduced to high school senior Miles McInerney, an award-winning poet, member of his high school debate team, and member of his high school crew team. Discover how Miles found his voice after years of being uncertain about how to use it.]]> 2020-07-16 03:48:27 UTC https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655698887 jennifercyphers https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655703296 This San Diego Union Tribune article from 2019, shines a spotlight on high school senior Miles McInerney for discovering his voice while living on the autism spectrum. Miles was not always confident about expressing himself through his neurodiversity. The story of Miles and his transformation includes advice he received from a helpful English teacher who encouraged him to "keep writing." The article compliments this text set by bringing in a positive voice from academics. In The State of Grace, we read about Grace's negative interactions with her teachers, many which lead her to feeling frustrated and demoralized. This article demonstrates the powerful impact supportive interactions with teachers can have on students who are autistic. It is important for teachers to encourage autistic students to find their voices and encourage participation. Unlike the fictional character, Grace, the real-life Miles McInerney was inspired by a teacher who recognized his diversity and encouraged him to keep going. In The State of Grace, we can see the easy cruelty exhibited by Grace's teachers even when Grace attempts to advocate for herself. In this article we see how a teacher, mindful of diversity, can inspire students to be more than they believed possible.

Connections
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.1.d
Acknowledge new information expressed by others, and, when warranted, qualify or justify their own views in light of the evidence presented.

Grade Level Complexity
Mid/High-level complexity, Peer-led/Teacher-led Discussion

Thoughts/Recommendations
This article presents the real-life evolution of a high school student from an insecure young adult to a thriving and adventurous high school senior. While his autism has not disappeared, he has engaged with educators who have encouraged him to find his own unique voice in order to express himself as best he can. Benefits would be gained by reading this article after reading the anchor text. Discuss the differences between how Grace's teachers treated her compared to the way Miles McInerney describes his interactions with his teachers. This article can be read and discussed in peer-groups with teacher guidance towards discussions of recognizing diversity and the importance of inclusion. Students who struggle with the higher-level vocabulary of the article will find discussion provides meaning.

Citation
Wilkens, J. (2019, September 15). Teen with autism finds voice through award-winning poetry. The San Diego Union Tribune. Retrieved from https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/people/story/2019-09-13/teen-autism-poetry-awards



]]> 2020-07-16 03:55:12 UTC https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655703296 jennifercyphers https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655735791 Poetry
Summary:
Nikki Satterlund is a 23 year old autistic woman who expresses her difficulties in making connections with others through her poetry. Through these three poems, readers are invited to understand what exclusion feels like when what you yearn to do is make connections with others.]]> 2020-07-16 04:44:18 UTC https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655735791 jennifercyphers https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655739490 The website, The Art of Autism, invites you to explore various forms of art and expression created by those who live on the autism spectrum. Through art created by people living on the autism spectrum, it is hoped that understanding and acceptance can be achieved. Poet Nikki Satterlund has written three poems and created art to further her goal of communicating what it feels like to yearn for acceptance by peers but to have that acceptance denied. Consider the Essential Questions:
1. How can society recognize neurodiversity and foster meaningful inclusion with our friends on the autism spectrum?
2. Specifically, how do you accommodate neurodiversity when you encounter it in others?
Students can gather in groups to read one of the poems the group elects to read together. Consider the essential questions in relation to the exclusion Nikki Satterlund is expressing in her poetry. In The State of Grace, Grace has a core set of people in her life she can count on to accept her diversity and include her in social adventures. The author of these three poems has expressed the emotional pain of persistent rejection by peers. What can you do, what can society do to ensure this exclusion of neurodiverse people does not continue?

Connections
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.8.4
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including analogies or allusions to other texts.

Grade Level Complexity
Mid/High-level complexity
Peer-led

Thoughts/Recommendations
Read these poems after reading the anchor text. Students can engage in group discussions focused on one poem from the three that the group chooses. Consider the Essential Questions and discuss opportunities for inclusion that would have prevented these negative experiences Nikki Satterlund describes in her poetry. Rather than focus on your own negative experiences of exclusion, write a poem about an experience you had where you were included when you thought you were going to be left out. Being included feels good. Being excluded is very isolating.   

Citation
Satterlund, N. (2020, June 22). Living on the spectrum and other poems by Nikki Satterlund. The Art of Autism: Connecting Through The Arts. Retrieved from https://the-art-of-autism.com/living-on-the-spectrum-and-other-poems-by-nikki-satterlund/


]]> 2020-07-16 04:49:33 UTC https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655739490 jennifercyphers https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655768311 Blog/Short Story
Summary:
Madeleine Lewis is a high school student who has taken the time to write a blog post that reads like a short story offering a view into a day of her life while living on the autism spectrum.]]> 2020-07-16 05:36:31 UTC https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655768311 jennifercyphers https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655770403 Madeleine Lewis would like others to know just what it takes for her to navigate a typical day while living life on the autism spectrum. With sensory overload a constant problem for her, she has devised many ways in which she can mitigate feeling overwhelmed by sounds and other sensations. Many of her coping skills prevent her from socially interacting with her peer group. For instance, she relies heavily on earphones which cancel out noises that overwhelm her senses. Consider your own behaviors. Are there times when you choose to use your headphones as a means of blocking out other noises? Can you appreciate a neurodiverse person's need to do the same thing? Perhaps the person is not being antisocial, instead, they simply need/require less stimulation. Madeleine Lewis takes the reader through the events of her typical day, but she ends her story with frustration at being treated with disrespect for her diversity. She demands the reader acknowledge that it is easier to claim to support diversity than to actually be supportive of those who are on the autism spectrum. In the anchor text, The State of Grace, Grace touches upon her frustration with those who claim to be sensitive to diversity needs, but who fail to follow through. Here we have Madeleine Lewis take a harsher tone towards those who want to claim to be sensitive to diversity needs while not actually supporting diversity. Supporting diversity requires action, not simply statements of support. This first-person narrative mirrors Grace's first-person narrative in The State of Grace. However, Madeleine Lewis is not a fictional character, and she takes the reader of her blog/short story to her conclusion where she demands better responses from neurotypical peers.

Connections
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.2
Analyze the purpose of information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and evaluate the motives (e.g., social, commercial, political) behind its presentation.

Grade Level Complexity
Beginning/Mid-level complexity
Individual-led/ Peer-led

Thoughts/Recommendations
Any discussion about diversity and inclusion should contain material that offers first-hand accounts of the frustrating reality of being singled out or excluded from the mainstream based on diverse qualities. Madeleine Lewis has written a true short story of a day in her life in a blog format. She invites the reader to experience her neurodiverity through her inner dialogue just as Grace does in The State of Grace. However, as you read these events, keep in mind that you are reading non-fiction. Grace is a fictional character, whereas Madeleine Lewis is a real person trying to exist within her neurodiversity in a primarily neurotypical world. Consider what Madeleine Lewis wants the reader to take away from her writing. Read carefully as she calls out those who claim they support diversity while not making any real effort outside of those claims. Do you recognize yourself in that description? How do you actively participate in promoting inclusion of diversity members?

Citation
Lewis, M. (2018, May 9). A day in my life as an autistic teen. The Mighty. Retrieved from https://themighty.com/2018/05/day-life-autistic-teen/



]]> 2020-07-16 05:40:27 UTC https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655770403 jennifercyphers https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655789647 Music Video
Summary:
Musicians with autism form a band and create music inspired by their goal to let others know that their autism does not prevent them from harnessing their talents. They have goals and ambitions that are "just the same" as yours.]]> 2020-07-16 06:14:00 UTC https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655789647 jennifercyphers https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655792963 Jack Beaven-Duggan (19) Luke Steels (18) and Saul Zur-Szpiro (21) all have autism and form the band The AutistiX, along with singer Jim Connelly who is not on the autism spectrum. Listen to the music they have created and consider their individual talents. The majority of the band members identify as autistic, but their singer is not on the autism spectrum. Collaboration between diversity groups can result in many creative projects and outcomes. Among the offerings of this text set, we are told through first-hand accounts of living on the autism spectrum that abilities differ from one autistic person to the next. Not everyone on the autism spectrum will be a musician. Just as Rosie King tried to explain in her TedTalk, not every person identified as autistic is Rain Man. This music video highlights a group of autistic young adults who are musically inclined. The format of a youtube music video is helpful in showing evidence of skills and talents which may not be evident when first meeting an autistic individual. You must make an effort to get to know any individual you meet in order to uncover their not-so-evident talents. Never assume a person labeled autistic meets a simplistic definition of an autistic person. You must get to know the individual in order to know the person.

Connections
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.2
Analyze the purpose of information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and evaluate the motives (e.g., social, commercial, political) behind its presentation.

Grade Level Complexity
Beginning-level complexity,
Student-led

Thoughts/Recommendations
This music video can be presented at any point in reading the anchor text. The video could also be shown to students prior to reading the text. Where ever this video is inserted into instruction, it serves its intended purpose to enlighten students about the fact that talent is not always evident. You would not know a musician or a poet by simply standing alongside a person. You will not know the talents a person has until you take the time to get to know the person. Diversity groups are full of interesting people with hidden talents. Get to know others and discover their abilities.

Citation
The Autistix, (2015). Just the same. YouTube. Fixers UK. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilytN26eI1Q

]]> 2020-07-16 06:20:04 UTC https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655792963 jennifercyphers https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655818002 Picture Resource
Summary:
This list of famous people with autism has been complied by The Autism Community Network (ACN) to illustrate all of the famous people who have been identified as being on the autism spectrum or who were likely on the autism spectrum.]]> 2020-07-16 07:00:41 UTC https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655818002 jennifercyphers https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655819777 It is important for students to be introduced to the autistic community members who have discovered acceptance and fame despite their neurodiversity. Autism affects approximately 1-59 people. Autism impacts every demographic. The wealthy can be autistic as well as the poor. While this list reflects autistic community members who have achieved fame, it is important to remember that autism exists in every demographic. Not everyone with an autism diagnosis will be non-verbal. Not everyone diagnosed with autism will have an amazing talent. A lot of ordinary people are diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum. Fame can also be achieved by autistic community members. Consider some of these famous people who have a diagnosis of autism. The famous film director Steven Spielberg is on this list. Look over this list of people with autism diagnoses. Do any surprise you?  Does having the visual of a familiar famous person identified as autistic help you see autism as something relatable?

Connections
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.2
Analyze the purpose of information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and evaluate the motives (e.g., social, commercial, political) behind its presentation.

Grade Level Complexity
Beginning-level complexity, Student-led/Peer-led

Thoughts/Recommendations
Students can use these images of famous autistic people and their accomplishments to understand more deeply the amazing and varied abilities found among autistic community members. Autism is not a one-size-fits-all diagnosis. A spectrum diagnosis such as autism means you will discover people on the spectrum with all sorts of different abilities, talents, and diversities of abilities. Not everyone on the autism spectrum will be a film director or musician, but that is true for people who are not on the autism spectrum, as well. Students should consider that diversity exists all around them everyday. People on the autism spectrum are well-represented by successful people in a variety of industries. Students should go over this list of famous people with autism during the reading of the anchor text in order to begin to see the full scope of abilities of people with diversity characteristics such as autism. 

Citation
Famous with Autism (2020). Autism Community Network. Retrieved from https://www.autismcommunity.org.au/famous---with-autism.html


]]> 2020-07-16 07:04:07 UTC https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655819777 jennifercyphers https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655836208 News segment (video)
Summary
Disney's streaming platform Disney+ contains a Pixar short film called Float which is about a father who learns to accept his son's differences. The characters are Filipino which is an embrace of diversity in representation in that respect, as well. Float attempts to present a metaphor for autism with its story. This news segment contains an interview with the creator of Float who discusses his son's autism as the inspiration for the animation.]]> 2020-07-16 07:34:09 UTC https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655836208 jennifercyphers https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655840277 Entertainment article
Summary
This entertainment news article discusses the background of the real-life family which inspired the animated short film called Float. Discussion centers around the metaphor Float presents for describing a father's acceptance of his son's autism. The story of Float is described in more detail than in the news segment provided in Supplemental Text #7, but the two texts compliment one another.

]]> 2020-07-16 07:41:52 UTC https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655840277 jennifercyphers https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655843045 Autism can occur in any demographic. For that reason, it is essential to include voices from as many demographics as possible in this text set. In this case, a Filipino film creator named Bobby Rubio who works for Disney's Pixar has created a short, six minute film to illustrate his own acceptance of his son who was diagnosed as autistic. This news segment includes an interview with Bobby Rubio where he describes his excitement at having an opportunity to share his message of acceptance of our neurodiverse community members as well as his excitement at being able to project his vision for acceptance through a diversity demographic (Filipino) not well-represented in film. ]]> 2020-07-16 07:46:39 UTC https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655843045 jennifercyphers https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655849945 CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.1.d
Acknowledge new information expressed by others, and, when warranted, qualify or justify their own views in light of the evidence presented.

Grade Level Complexity
Beginning-level Complexity,
Student-led

Thoughts/Recommendations
This short two minute video from a local news network would be best viewed after reading the anchor text. The conversation can include the fact that acceptance of diversity is not always an easy thing for people to do even when it is in regards to immediate family members. We are all unique individuals who struggle to learn and grow and accept others into our lives. It is important for students to understand that consideration for the Essential Questions might pose difficulties for us we did not anticipate. As was stated by the author, Madeleine Lewis in Supplemental Text #4, it is easy to say you recognize, accept, and support diversity members, but it is another thing altogether to put that acceptance into practice and inclusion. Consider the struggle of this parent to accept his son's diagnosis of autism. Consider how this parent was able to overcome his concerns and fears and accept his child's diversity.

Citation
ABC Action News. (2020, May 5) Pixar film brings awareness to autism while making Filipino-American history. Retrieved from https://6abc.com/float-pixar-films-autism/5980531/]]> 2020-07-16 07:59:13 UTC https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655849945 jennifercyphers https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655862139 For differentiated access to the content of this text, Supplemental Text #7 provides a video option in order to accommodate beginner access. This text is complimentary of Supplemental Text #7 because it offers a deeper look into the plot of Float, as well as access to content through reading. In the anchor text The State of Grace, Grace's family does not struggle with her autism diagnosis as far as the reader can tell. But what happens when family members struggle to accept a diagnosis of autism? What concerns might motivate a parent to want to hide or deny a diversity trait such as autism? This article provides deeper insight into the personal struggle of a parent who may love their child but want to deny or hide the diversity their child presents with. It is important to acknowledge the difficulties and challenges of accepting diversity. Some people will struggle with acceptance more than others. We should recognize when we struggle in order to master the Essential Questions. When we recognize that we are struggling with answering the Essential Questions in a way that promotes diversity and inclusion, we can evaluate why that is happening and seek to overcome our reluctance to be inclusive.

Connections
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.1.d
Acknowledge new information expressed by others, and, when warranted, qualify or justify their own views in light of the evidence presented.

Grade Level Complexity
Mid/High-level complexity
Student/Teacher-led discussion

Thoughts/Recommendations
While the text is not overly complex for a beginner, the content and discussion will require peer/teacher led discussions as thoughtful reflection of the reluctance to be inclusive of diversity members and prejudices against diversity members will be difficult to evaluate on a personal level. Students should be encouraged to self-reflect about times when they chose not to be inclusive of those with diversity presentations. Just like the real-life father in this news article demonstrates- acceptance, inclusion, accommodation, and embracing of diversity is not always as easy as it sounds. Putting the goal of inclusion at the forefront of all interactions is essential to mastering the Essential Questions.

Citation
Menta, A. (2019, November 15). Pixar’s ‘Float’ on Disney+ is a moving, must-watch metaphor for autism. Decider. Retrieved from https://decider.com/2019/11/15/float-pixar-short-disney-plus-autism/

]]> 2020-07-16 08:22:27 UTC https://padlet.com/jennifercyphers/89hbrq1uz6l2y6bl/wish/655862139