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Hi, My name is Eric, and I have autism. Autism is best described as difficulty in social and communication skills, repetitive behaviors, and adherence to routine. But autism is different for everyone that it affects.

Mrs. South's 5th Grade Classroom 

I am in 5th grade, and Love school! Reading is my favorite subject! I am normally a great reader, but this year is a little bit of a struggle for me because it is hard for me to concentrate. 

Mrs. South's 5th Grade Classroom 

Alright Class, its independent reading time! Grab your books  and being to read! We will read for 15 minutes. 

I don't want to. 

On the inside, Eric was feeling frustrated. He did not want to read today. So he became upset and started to yell. After he yelled, he started to cry and scream some more. 

I DON'T WANT TO READ!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mrs. South calmly walked over to speak to Erick and help him calm himself and helped him try to express what he is feeling. Mrs. South said to Eric, " Hey Eric, are you alright? I want to help you, is there anything I can do?" Eric replied with "I just don't want to read right now..." Then Mrs. South said in a nice voice, " Ok, well why don't we just sit down and have some calm time" Eric then sat in his seat quietly till reading time was over. 

After School that day, Mrs. South called Eric's Mother and Father to schedule a meeting to discuss Eric's struggles and see what they can do to help Eric so he can receive the best education possible.

Yes! Absolutely! We can plan for Tomorrow after school! Thank you so much for reaching out!  

Good afternoon Mr. and Mrs. Washington, I wanted to set up a meeting regarding your son eric.

The next day, they had the meeting and set up a plan where Eric could go to the counselors office when he was feeling upset and couldn't express his emotions. Then when he was calm, he could return to class.  Both the teacher and the Washingtons thought that this was the best thing to try for Eric.

Now anytime Eric Gets upset he can go to the counselors office and talk to the counselor and express his emotions and have a little break before returning to class. Eric seems to feel that this is helping him and he is even starting to enjoy his classes again!