In April, the month of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) was held at the Eagle Canyon College in Chino Valley, California, United States, to raise awareness of what this disorder entails. But nobody expected Rumari Zalez, 11 years old, He stood in front of his class and explained that he has autism.
Her teacher, moved, decided to record the moment and share it on social networks. And is not for less: His words and the reaction of his teammates thrill.
Words that thrill
This is the video that her teacher, Lisa Moe, posted on her Facebook account. As he says, there came a time when it was decided to immortalize what was happening, "with the permission of Rumari's parents" and without any of his students noticing.
It's only the final minutes of his student's explanation, but enough to give us an idea of what his words meant to him and his classmates.
Lisa explains in her post that the little boy raised his hand and asked his teacher: "Can I say something, please?", and when she answered affirmatively, she addressed her classmates.
In Babies and more With nine years Laura explains what autism is, and what it is like to have a brother with this conditionAs you can hear in the video, Rumari says he has ASD and "How difficult it is to be judged by others, trying to be your friend and see other people who have it and how they feel." And adds:
"For a long time you guys have not known that I have autism and surely you have thought it was weird to do this (you see how he hits the palm of his hand with his fist). It's something I like to do and I have autism. And it's something that children normally could love because it's so much fun to do it when you want to feel better.
A few words that manage to surface tears. But also the reactions of their peers. After the ovation that follows his talk, the question time opens. One of the girls says:
"I think it doesn't matter what people do or if that may seem weird or if they could make strange sounds sometimes, it's fine. It's them and nothing happens. They are good just for how they are, like you Rumari."
Another partner reinforces what has been said and adds: "This is not a question, but I think you're fabulous just for how you are", followed by approval samples from the rest of the class.
Also, it looks like others ask Rumari "huggies", a word he usually uses when he wants a hug from a friend or relative. And there were many that day!
In Babies and more Not all are Sheldon Cooper: six myths and truths of people with autismYour teacher could not hold back the tears
Lisa Moe explains in her Facebook and Instagram post, that on the occasion of Autism Awareness Month at her school, each class had asked her students to decorate a piece of a paper puzzle and hang it:
"When I distributed the pieces of the puzzle, most of the students were familiar with the idea of autism and aware of why decorating the pieces of the puzzle. What my students did not know is that autism is present in our class with one of our partners, Rumari. "
Today, a beautiful thing occurred within my classroom. My two most important mottos and lessons I stress every single day with my students is to Be Kind and to believe in ones self through the growth mindset of Yes I Can. It is #AutismAwareness Month and every classroom on campus has been asked to have each student decorate a paper puzzle piece and hang it on our classroom doors. When I handed out the puzzle pieces, most students were familiar with the idea of Autism and aware of the cause of decorating the puzzle pieces. What my students did not know is that Autism is present within our classroom with one of our fellow classmates, Rumari. With excitement, Rumari rose his hand and said May I please say something I nodded and said of course, but never could I have imagined what was to follow. Rumari has faced challenges and barriers beyond what any of us will ever be able to fully understand. But today, Rumari stood in front of the classroom with full confidence, enthusiasm, and courage and showed us that there is no challenge or barrier that can stop him. He brought to life the meaning of Yes I Can as he explained to his fellow classmates that he was autistic. With full knowledge, he explained the differences that may come when being autistic and how the spectrum is vast. He courageously spoke about his own differences and quirks, while defining what it means to make everyone feel like a someone. My other students and I sat quietly and listened, completely engulfed in every word he spoke to us. Because of this, it took me a bit before realizing I needed to capture this moment. Without any of the students knowing, I hit record and captured the final moments of Rumari speaking to us and the raw, authentic reactions of the rest of my students. It is then, that I lost my ability to hold back the tears. It is then, that the daily lessons to Be Kind and to remember Yes I Can were brought together. If I were unable to ever teach again or if there was ever a question to my path into this role as an educator, this moment solidified my purpose. With permission from Rumaris parents, I wanted to share with you this moment
He admits that when he gave permission to speak to his student, he never imagined what came next, although "Rumari has faced challenges and barriers beyond what any of us will be able to fully understand."
"But today, Rumari stood in front of the class and with confidence, enthusiasm and courage, showed us that there is no challenge or barrier that can stop him. He gave life to the meaning of 'Yes I can' and explained to his classmates that He had autism. With full knowledge, he explained the differences that can arise when you have ASD and how it is seen. He spoke bravely about his own differences and peculiarities, while defining what it means to make everyone feel like one. "
She says that she and her students listened attentively to Rumari, "completely absorbed in every word he told us". And for that reason it took to start recording. Went to see "the authentic reactions of the rest of my students" when he confesses that "I could not hold back the tears". Ensures then he understood that his lessons from "Be kind" Y "If I can", had penetrated among their students.
"If I can't continue teaching or at some point I question my role as an educator, this moment reinforces my purpose."
In Babies and more The heartbreaking letter from a child with autism to denounce the bullying that his teacher didI personally thank Lisa for sharing this unforgettable class with us and I am sure, by checking the thousands of reproductions that the video has on social networks, that Rumari's words help raise awareness about this disorder that according to the World Organization of the Health affects one in 160 children, who have problems with neurodevelopment and brain function. This means that those who suffer from it suffer difficulties in communication and interaction with others.
Therefore, the purpose of families and people with autism is their real inclusion in society, which is only achieved by knowing it. And Rumari has already taken a giant step in that direction.
Photos | Facebook Lisa Rachel Moe
