Downers Grove Teen with Autism Petitions School for Awareness

Hundreds of supportive comments fill the page of an online petition created by a 15-year-old rising sophomore at Downers Grove North High School.

Zach Steele’s petition to create an Autism awareness program at school has collected signatures from more than 1,600 people — because they have family members with Autism, because they’re DGN alumni and because Zach’s leadership and passion for this cause has touched them in some way.

Autism is often misunderstood, and it affects one in 68 children in the United States, according to Autism Society. It’s considered to be the fastest-growing developmental disability.

• “No one should ever have to feel the way Zach was made to feel. This school is full of wonderful students who would love to offer support.” -Rita Raden, Downers Grove

High school wasn’t exactly what Zach Steele expected.

When he entered Downers Grove North as a freshman in the fall of last year, his fellow students seemed open, accepting and full of excitement for the new school year. But things changed.

Students who had once been friendly toward Zach started calling him “weird” and “annoying.” They didn’t want to hang out with him anymore. They thought he was mentally disabled.

They didn’t understand what it meant when Zach told them he’s on the Autism spectrum.

When kids made fun of Zach at the bus stop, he walked away. When they waited outside the lunchroom to pick on him, he tried to avoid them. He talked to his mom. They talked to the school.

And then Zach decided he needed to stand up for himself.

“Finally, I said this is enough. This isn’t acceptable to do,” Zach said. So he created the petition.

• “As a former DGN student, this is not the school I know. You deserve the best high school experience possible.” -Sheila Sczepanik, Chicago

Zach wanted a change. He found the petition website and wrote a letter asking DGN to start a program that would bring awareness to disabilities like Autism. In the first 48 hours, the petition received more than 1,000 signatures.

“I was a little overwhelmed,” Zach said. “I felt like I was getting my thoughts across, and I was finally being heard for the first time in years. I feel like awareness would make me more accepted, and all people will like me more at school next year.”

Downers Grove North staff have met with Zach, they’ve listened to his concerns and they support his efforts.

Zach plans to start a club for Autism awareness. His first idea is to hold a school-wide Day of Kindness in September, inspired by the Day of Silence in April that supports the LGBT community.

A teacher asked Zach to approve “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” for DGN’s One School One Book initiative. Zach said it puts readers in the mindset of the main character, a boy with autism, as he tries to solve the murder mystery surrounding his neighbor’s dog.

These are the first steps toward educating students about learning disabilities, and Zach is determined to keep kids moving toward understanding and acceptance.

“I want people to know that we aren’t what we seem, and they should be more respectful and get to know a person’s contents of character a little bit more instead of just judging.”

• “I’m signing this petition, because it’s the right thing to do!” - Dianne Fleener, Downers Grove

A local non-profit organization, NUBS, helped spread the word about the petition and promised to help Zach and the school develop an awareness program. A couple students have even reached out to Zach to apologize for judging him.

Zach said before the petition, he didn’t usually tell people right away about his learning disability. Now he’s let his Autism exist in the open in hopes that no other students have to relive his experience.

“As a parent, I’m blown away by Zach’s voice and by him taking action and advocating for himself,” said Kimberley Steele, Zach’s mom. “It’s outstanding that he’s trying to take a stand, not just for himself, but for others who can’t stand up for themselves.”

• “I am a graduate of DGN and my daughter is autistic. Education in the school about autism and appropriate behaviors and reactions would benefit everyone.” - Suzanne Hirschboeck, Brookfield

Jill Browning, director of communications for Community High School District 99, said students are always welcome to pursue positive ideas at school.

Browning said a student started a robotics club at Downers Grove South High School, and a student at DGN started a Circle of Friends club to promote friendships between students with disabilities and the student body.

“The petition didn’t really change any of that, but it opened up Zach’s experience and what he could do with that idea he had,” she said.

She also emphasized that District 99 has “absolutely zero tolerance for bullying.” There’s a system in place to anonymously report bullying so the school can make sure people feel safe and address problems.

“We enthusiastically support Zach’s enthusiasm,” Browning said. “Any ideas kids have to make schools a more positive place are welcomed by everybody at our schools.”

Photo: Zach Steele looks pretty much like every other teenager. He’s tall, his hair is dyed bright red and he travels the Downers Grove North campus one step at a time in his signature red Converse shoes. Zach requested that his face not be shown in the photo.