Ben's Graduation
Father of Autistic High School Graduate Leaves Lasting Mark On Students
By Steve LeClaire
Editor's note: The opinions expressed herein are those of the author exclusively.
Father of Autistic High School Graduate Leaves Lasting Mark On Students
By Steve LeClaire
Editor's note: The opinions expressed herein are those of the author exclusively.
The following is taken from a speech given by the father of an autistic 19-year-old and now high school graduate, Ben LeClaire.
“Our son Ben has been amongst you for your 12 years at Sutton. But to many of you, he has only been in the shadows of the class as a whole. Ben suffers from autism and has gone through school in the special education program here at Sutton. Many of you have acknowledged and helped Ben, and for that we thank you. We have fond memories of all of you giving him hi-fives and hugs, and trying to include him in your activities. On June 1st, Ben graduates with you, his peers. He's worked as hard in his own way as you have in yours.
Autism is an epidemic. It now strikes one in 150 kids in the United States. More than childhood cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. Try to imagine not being able to say what you want, because you cannot arrange the words in your own head. Currently, there is no known cause, and no known cure. We pray that one day, one of you will maybe attend college and go on to discover the miracle cure for autism, so that kids like Ben can thank you themselves.
We are very happy for each of the graduates, and it will not be the same for Ben without each of you here. He will continue school here at Sutton High until he is 22-years-old. Most of you have been with him since kindergarten. In his own way, he will remember every one of you. It has been through the small acts of kindness, such as when one of you took Ben under your wing in gym class so he could follow along and learn how to play. Or another time when one of you stepped up to the plate when Ben couldn't hit a ball being pitched to him. She could see Ben was getting frustrated so she took the ball and said “let me try it!” She got closer, pitched a nice slow underhand ball which Ben swung at and got a hit. Ben's science partner - who knows him well and allowed him to do the things that he is capable of to help with him with assignments. Every recognition, no matter how small it may seem, has meant so much to us and to Ben over the years. We know Ben remembers these things, even though he can not tell us.
We wanted to do something for each of you so that maybe once in a while you might think of Ben; or maybe stop by and see him when you're home. For each of you, we have an “Autism Speaks” lapel pin. The pin is a puzzle piece, which represents the “missing” piece of the autism puzzle. Hopefully someday, autism will only be a footnote in the history books.
As you move on to your next adventure, remember that a small act of kindness goes a long way. You've all touched our hearts in a big way by acknowledging Ben and helping him when you could. We wish you all well.”
Members of the 2007 Sutton High School Graduating Class proudly wore the Autism Speaks puzzle piece pin in support of Ben on his graduation day.
We are very happy for each of the graduates, and it will not be the same for Ben without each of you here. He will continue school here at Sutton High until he is 22-years-old. Most of you have been with him since kindergarten. In his own way, he will remember every one of you. It has been through the small acts of kindness, such as when one of you took Ben under your wing in gym class so he could follow along and learn how to play. Or another time when one of you stepped up to the plate when Ben couldn't hit a ball being pitched to him. She could see Ben was getting frustrated so she took the ball and said “let me try it!” She got closer, pitched a nice slow underhand ball which Ben swung at and got a hit. Ben's science partner - who knows him well and allowed him to do the things that he is capable of to help with him with assignments. Every recognition, no matter how small it may seem, has meant so much to us and to Ben over the years. We know Ben remembers these things, even though he can not tell us.
We wanted to do something for each of you so that maybe once in a while you might think of Ben; or maybe stop by and see him when you're home. For each of you, we have an “Autism Speaks” lapel pin. The pin is a puzzle piece, which represents the “missing” piece of the autism puzzle. Hopefully someday, autism will only be a footnote in the history books.
As you move on to your next adventure, remember that a small act of kindness goes a long way. You've all touched our hearts in a big way by acknowledging Ben and helping him when you could. We wish you all well.”
Members of the 2007 Sutton High School Graduating Class proudly wore the Autism Speaks puzzle piece pin in support of Ben on his graduation day.
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