Distant, emerald eyes, hiding behind strikingly long, dark eyelashes, peer inwardly into a world from which I am locked out. Probing and prodding, I sometimes open doors and Ellie and I achieve communication, although eye contact, when made, is short and sweet. Ellie is autistic. She is 14 years old and has the learning skills of a first grader. A loving, gentle hand goes a long way with her. Standing close to my frame and nuzzling in my hair are comforting for Ellie, and my trust is rewarded with an occasional soft glance, an approving recognition. I cherish these moments.
I am an Instructional Assistant in Ellie’s classroom. When classroom assignments are completed each day, Ellie earns free time to play on the computer. Most often, she chooses her favorite interactive software game, not always for its visual or learning content but because she enjoys the soft, repetitive background music. Tuning in, she calms down and hums along, in perfect pitch, with the short refrains. Sitting closely beside Ellie, I join in, humming quietly in harmony.
Slowly opening her door, Ellie smiles and welcomes me into her safe place. As her eyes momentarily meet mine, I begin softly singing, “I love you-ou, I love you-ou”. I sing the next few refrains in harmony, which delights Ellie. She becomes keenly attentive and leans her ear closer to my face. After a short time, she leans her head a whisper away from mine, looks into my eyes with empathic approval and places a tender kiss softly upon my lips.
I am an Instructional Assistant in Ellie’s classroom. When classroom assignments are completed each day, Ellie earns free time to play on the computer. Most often, she chooses her favorite interactive software game, not always for its visual or learning content but because she enjoys the soft, repetitive background music. Tuning in, she calms down and hums along, in perfect pitch, with the short refrains. Sitting closely beside Ellie, I join in, humming quietly in harmony.
Slowly opening her door, Ellie smiles and welcomes me into her safe place. As her eyes momentarily meet mine, I begin softly singing, “I love you-ou, I love you-ou”. I sing the next few refrains in harmony, which delights Ellie. She becomes keenly attentive and leans her ear closer to my face. After a short time, she leans her head a whisper away from mine, looks into my eyes with empathic approval and places a tender kiss softly upon my lips.