An essential lesson focusing on understanding and acceptance recently took place at Lynwood Avenue Elementary School as second grade students in Christine Breslin’s class participated in an activity for Autism Awareness Month.

The lesson, which was facilitated by social-emotional learning chairperson Jonathan Chiaramonte, explained the intricacies of the autism spectrum and the ways people with autism may interpret sounds, situations, feelings and emotions differently than the students may. Students asked questions about autism and shared about friends and family they know who have autism to build a better understanding of their differences and similarities.

Concluding the activity, students shared reasons why it is important to be accepting of others and ways that they can help to create a more inclusive school community.