Introduction

My name is Troy and I am the proud father of an amazingly talented young artist named Olive, who happens to have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The support of dedicated EA's allowed my daughter grow and flourish in an educational environment which was not designed with her experience in mind. The amazing individuals who've nurtured Olive's personal and educational advancements have catalyzed a sense of gratitude in me; driving me to reciprocally contribute to the community. In spite of the meaningful contributions of specialists and invested passionate educators, I still see many ways we can improve in terms of making sure everyone feels like they are an integral member of the classroom community. One primary concern I have is the social impediment an EA can be as their very presence highlights the ways our supported learners are different. I have made it my personal mission to facilitate positive peer interactions, encourage collaborative problem solving, and to model the celebration of our differences. I believe we deepen our understanding and appreciation of absolutely everything by accepting diverse perspectives and experiences.