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WIIJTY FRE PRSA WEDNgf3DAr,ÉSEPTEMBR 20,1989,P AGE 15 The struggle. for academie success FROM PAGE 14, inipairments in ail of the following, areas of development: communication, social inter- action, restricted repertoire of activities and interests, and associated features such as dil'ficulties in eating, sleeping and toiletting, unusual fears, learning probleins, repetitive behaviors, self injury and peculiar responses te sensory input. Jennifer Contello, resource consultant at the Geneva Centre, says, 'We assist familles with the diagnosis of autism. We use a completely non-intrusive, positive reinforcement foi-m of therapy. We see a strong link between behavior and communication. We work ini the homes with familles." Mary Konstantareas, head- of the autistic cinic at the Clark Institute of Psychiatry, says there are no precise figures for the total number of autistic people in Canada. Although she notes it is rare for an autistic person te graduate from college, it is possible as in Michael's case. She says there are autistic people graduatmngfrom special classes in elementary and high schools. Ted Dionne, president of the Durham Chapter of the Ontario Society for Autistic Citizens iîa advocate of integration. Hlis 12-year-old son Darcy has recently been integrated into the school system. "The main ingredient is heart, love for children, and common sense. Darcy is taken- outfor bis special education skills like speech therapy, writing, and riding the bus. Those thiings require special teachers.' We need common sense and willingness te, try to get iid of fears and change attitudes about special needs children." Special neieds co-ordinator Lori Cook heads the REACH program at Durham College. 'She says, Ihere is. support through the MEACH office for people Who are autistic as weIl as ýpeople. with ii other special needa such asoia emotional problems, visual. or. hearing impairment, learning disabilities, and the physicaily' handicapped." Cook is now working with' about 60 students. 'We work with the special needs* students so they can participate in the study of their choice as any other student participates. We are malding the new V Wing accessible for the physically challenged." Some of the services offred are, technical aids, peer tutering, arranging for a note-taker, and telecommunication devices. Some of the current and future physical changes te the college are phones with volume control for the hearing impaired, ramps, handicapped parking and electronic doors. Michael Crowder describes himself as post-autistic although experts say you neyer really T-BONE STEAKS (CANADA GRADE A) $40-29LB. PORTER- HOUSE STEAKS (CANADA GRADE A) $4.49LBO BONELESS BACON SIRLOIN WRAPPED STEAKSFILETS (CND R )(CANADA GRADE A) $3.9LB. $6049LBe BEEFCUBELEAN BEEFCUBE GROUND STEAKS BEEF s2.«9w. $1l.69Le. FRESH CHICKEN THIGHS OR C DRUMSTICKS 9LB. Jennie-Lynne Meats J*8 Lets 1614 Dundas St E. os aWHITBY Bik Thurs.-FriThe. 9-8 Opèn: Tues.-Wed. 9-6 M A Saturday 8-5 FVONL Y THE vERY BEST" THE AP OTHAM(E R IASMS WTHTEOWPIS