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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2015-04-08, Page 9Wednesday, April 8, 2015 • Huron Expositor 9 Marco Vigliotti Huron Expositor Local student Morgan Mason, who was diagnosed with a high -functioning form of Autism/Asperger's as a child, helps hoist the autism awareness flag at an assembly at Seaforth Public School on April 2. He also accepted a $10,000 donation from the Brussels Optimist Club for the Huron -Perth chapter of Autism Ontario. As well, he handed over to the group the $1,000 he personally raised on their behalf. Seaforth student headlines autism awareness celebration Marco tfigliotti Huron Expositor Morgan Mason is not just a picky eater. Nor is he simply fidgety, restless or a perfectionist. Rather, the 11 -year-old owes his elbow cracking, inflexible routine and intense dislike for different segments of his meal touching on his plate to a high - functioning form of autism that he was diagnosed with as an infant. Addressing a buzzing crowd inside Seaforth Public School's cozy gymnasium Thursday, Mason looked to impart some wisdom to his fellow students about how it feels to live with the disorder, which can greatly impact the way its sufferers communicate and understand the world around them. Much like others with autism, Mason says he has a difficult time understanding sarcasm andwell-know euphe- misms, interpreting them instead in the literal sense. "I take things very literally and don't always understand jokes and sarcasm. For exam- ple, if you told me to walk a mile in your shoes, I would go look for your shoes," he joked to the large crowd at the school for an assembly commemorat- ing World Autism Awareness Day. Students, faculty members, parents and an array of special guests crammed into the school's gymnasium for the event, which organizers hoped would help illuminate the peculiarities of the disorder, which impacts roughly 1 in 94 people, according to Autism Ontario. Mason was the center of attention and keynote speaker at the assembly that was also broadcasted live online by the Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB). He also helped in hoisting a flag to mark the internationally recognized day, which has been observed since 2008 after being declared by the United Nations General Assembly. Mason seized the high-pro- file opportunity to explain that people with autism can experi- ence widely different symp- toms but mostly all struggle on some level with social interac- tions and reading social cues. In another symptom of the disorder, sufferers are known to boast a number of noticea- ble quirks, with Mason acknowledging that he often crosses his legs and twirls his fingers. These sorts of actions, he says, are common to those with autism and help calm them down when feeling nerv- ous or anxious. Mason is also incredibly particular about the placing of objects and his personal schedule, admitting he gets frustrated by sudden change. "I have difficulty when things change, especially if it's unexpected. This can happen with daily activities like what I eat, when I eat, when I leave for school, what I wear, what time classes are and more, he said. As part of his educational campaign, Mason has sought to raise money for Autism Ontario, which him and his mother Elizabeth credit for providing invaluable assistance to those living with the disorder. In an interview with the Expositor, Mason said he decided to raise money for the group because he "wanted to learn more about why I am the way I am" and that "Autism Ontario has been helping me and my family understand that" He also applauded efforts by the advocacy group to organize special events for children dealing with the dis- order, including its 'Mad Sci- ence Day' held over the March Break holiday. He said these sorts of group events provide a level of acceptance that can be tough to come by around those unfa- miliarwith the autism. "It feels good to be part of a group and not being worried about fitting in or accepted," Mason said. "I want everyone to be aware and be accepting of people with any disability but especially autism." Originally eyeing a modest goal of $750, the young activist has managed to raise over $1,000 over the course of his educational blitz. It's a figure that got a sizea- ble boost from the Brussels Optimist Club, who unveiled a $10,000 donation at the assembly to Autism Ontario's Huron -Perth chapter as part of Mason's fundraising drive. The event also featured addresses from Brad Knight, chief administrative officer for the Municipality of Huron East, and representatives for local politicians Brad Lobb and Lisa Thompson and the AMDSB - all of whom praised Mason for his autism aware- ness campaign. Michele Hodgert Ringette team prepares for tournament Coach of U19A Team Ontario Ringette, Craig Hennessy, explains a drill at a recent practice. The team is currently preparing for the Eastern Canadian Championship held in Moncton, New Brunswick from April 16 to 19. As well, the team will have a fundraising exhibition game on April 11 at the Hensall Arena at 4 p.m. Admission is free but there will be food and a silent auction with items like a cottage in Bayfield for a weekend up for the highest bidder. You can also drop off your bottles for the team to return.