Autism became a HUGE part of my life about 13 years ago when I started with Easter Seals as a teacher in one of our senior level classrooms. It seems just like yesterday that Barbara Zawacki interviewed me and gave me my first tour of the therapeutic day school building on State Street. During our tour, it was one particular classroom that really intrigued me, almost called out to me. In this room were seven adolescent male students diagnosed with severe autism and cognitive impairments. Most of these students were non-verbal and relied on gestures and pictures to communicate with people. Without hesitation, I accepted my first full-time teaching position and relocated from the security of my small town to work in the big city. I was naïve and had a great deal to learn about teaching, and life in general. As I worked with my seven boys, it didn’t take long for the changes and improvements to begin. When I say this, I’m actually referring to the changes that took place in my life. I do feel as though I had a positive impact on my students in many areas. The gains experienced by them, however, were far outweighed by the influence each of them had on me. During our journey together, we truly became one big family. I remember spending countless hours at home preparing materials for each of my students. I remember jumping up and down with excitement one day when one of my students tied his shoes independently. I remember being the first person to sit near, and even touch, my student that experienced severe tactile-defensiveness. In general, depending on the day, I remember laughing hysterically, and crying until my eyes hurt. Without the inspiration from my boys, my life might have taken an entirely different course. They inspired me to continue my education and pursue more leadership opportunities outside the classroom. I am now responsible for overseeing our four therapeutic schools and our two adult vocational programs, and have loved working with each and every one of our students and clients. Many changes have taken place within our school, but, several of my first students are still served within our adult vocational program. When life seems a little crazy and overwhelming, and I feel like I’m losing perspective, I walk down the hall just to see their faces.

Wendy Murphy