Alison (Ali) has been the para educator who has worked with Nicholas Krishnan for his transition to Avondale High School. Due to her dedication Nicholas has been able to:
- Earn a letter in swimming during freshman year,
- Earn a letter in band his sophomore year
- Actively participated in choir
- Participate in the track and field team
- Learn to water ski
- Learn to be able to handle pets
- Learn the game of basketball & play soccer
- Had a role in a movie
- Participate in world drumming events
- Speak to groups regarding autism and inclusion
- Become a member of a health club
- Next on the list is learning rock climbing
How has Nicholas been able to accomplish all these things? Most people would say no way a student with autism can do all this, Ali says and believes that there is a way and goes about getting Nicholas to stretch himself. No way? An unequivocal “Yes there is a way.” The secret is—she gets him. You all know and students in particular know when somebody gets them, knows what makes them tick, seeks out and reaches that inner core of acceptance, understanding, respect and openness to another being. Believes so strongly in another person’s abilities that the person, student and in this instance Nicholas willingly extends himself to meet the expectations Ali has for him.
Ali has that innate gift of being able to provide “modifications on the go.” This means that she is a quick agility to scope out and evaluate a situation and know what might work, what will work, and goes on to make it work for Nicholas. Can’t tolerate noise during a basketball game, the solution is to wear earmuffs. Sitting on the bottom of the pool, the solution is to put fins on his feet so he will float up to the surface. Near a meltdown during the middle of a parade, let Nicholas use a wheelchair to finish the parade route.
Her exuberance, effervescence and indomitable spirit are ever present. She is amazing in her ability to teach skills to Nicholas that almost everyone thought would be impossible. They have a link and bond as well as mutual admiration society. She has even created a website campaigning for inclusion for students with autism.
We might want to pitch becoming a teacher to this one. Her plans are to become a photographer. She sees what is and what can be. I’m certain this will show itself to bring forth in her work the best that people can be. She does this so easily, whatever Ali sets her mind to, she will be successful. Nicholas and his family have seen this and so has the staff at Avondale High School.
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