When discussing the developmental disorder known as Autism, it’s important to keep in mind that our stereotypes do not always apply. Every person who has the disorder, officially known as &uot;Autism Spectrum Disorder,&uot; has a different experience.

&uot;People need to understand there is a progression; some kids are affected more greatly than others,&uot; said Jean Jordan, principal of Lakeview Elementary School in Albert Lea, where District 241’s elementary autism program is housed.

According to Paula Buendorf, the teacher in charge of the elementary autism program, it would help if people knew more about Autism.

&uot;People seem to understand other conditions, like Down syndrome, but Autism seems to be more mysterious,&uot; Buendorf said.

To help provide more information about Autism to teachers and other staff in the district, as well as members of the community, Lakeview is holding an informational open house on Thursday, April 25. The open house will be after school, from 3-4 p.m., in the Autism Room (Room 226) at Lakeview.

The open house will provide an opportunity to ask questions and get answers about Autism and how teachers can help students with the disorder learn, as well as details about the programs and different resources the district offers.

According to Buendorf, with each child experiencing the disorder in different ways, teaching needs to be more one-on-one. The goal is to keep students in their regular classrooms, where the classroom teachers get assistance from school psychologists, specialists and para-professionals or they come to Buendorf’s classroom for intensive help in specific areas.

Understanding of the disorder and how to help people live with it is constantly growing and changing.

&uot;Researchers are learning more every year about Autism,&uot; said Jordan. That research is used by all the staff in the district who work with children dealing with Autism, many of whom will be present at the open house along with Buendorf, including school psychologists, speech specialists, an occupational therapist, and a parent of a child with the disorder, said Jordan.