By Helen Shafer: President of The Shafer Center for Early Intervention
"I'm thankful for apple pie." This was my son, Hayden's, statement the first time he participated in our Thanksgiving family tradition of saying what we're thankful for. Cute, right? The funny thing is that he's never eaten or wanted to eat apple pie.
Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and football. What most of us don't do is really stop and take stock of what we are thankful for - what really matters.
What does thankful mean anyway? According to Merriam-Webster it means, "glad that something has happened or not happened, that something or someone exists, etc."
When I think about what I'm thankful for, of course I think about my family. But if I think deeper, the person whom has made a huge impact in the life is my son Hayden. Having Hayden changed my life and not just in the typical ways. Diagnosed with autism when he was two-years old, I had no idea the journey I was going to take, and how it would affect me. I'm so thankful for Hayden, because he has taught me many of life's most important lessons.
Freaks, Geeks & Asperger Syndrome By: Luke Jackson
A Shafer student was playing with a peer in the sandbox, I walked over and asked what they were doing. Peer: "We're filling the truck!" Shafer student "We're filling it with NUTMEG!"
A Bridge Therapist told a Bridge client a joke and suggested that he share it with some friends at lunch. He told a peer the joke and turns to me and says "oh she liked it alright!"
A Bridge student was sitting in class - grabbed his elbow and said, "Um..I am having some growing pains here!"
Shafer Stars
Charlie transitioned from Dream 1 to Dream 2 this school year. He has done really well adapting to his new routine, new teachers, and new classmates. He has made a lot of progress independently engaging in these classroom routines, such as walking down the hall independently. He is now following group instructions and transitioning with the group independently. He has worked extra hard to make significant progress in phonics. He is also initiating appropriate conversations with his peers and teachers and participating in play with his peers in class. Awesome job Charlie!
Shafer Staff Heroes
"I love the way this field has challenged me, constantly pushing me to do better, not because I want to be amazing at what I do (and I do!), but rather because the well-being and long-term outcomes of another individual depend on it. My expectations for myself may be high, but with so much at stake, how could they not be?"
The Shafer Center 9th Annual Holiday Musical is quickly approaching! All classroom students and families will be joining us on December 12th at 10:00 am. Each classroom at The Shafer Center will be performing a winter themed song or skit for all to enjoy. As always, the costumes and songs will be kept a secret until the big day and the students will assist with constructing their costumes as well as decorations for the building. We are inviting all parents to attend the parent social from 9:30-10:00 am prior to the musical. We look forward to seeing you there!
