Autism Awareness Month Fosters Community At Hillsborough Middle School

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Many know that the month of April is Autism Awareness Month, but it also includes Neurodiversity Celebration Week, which is a worldwide undertaking that challenges misunderstandings surrounding neurodiversity.

During this time, countless organizations endeavor to raise awareness of neurodiversity and to promote a greater sense of community and support for neurodivergent individuals.

Led by Aimee Triano, Hillsborough Middle School (HMS) is doing its part to foster awareness, dispel misconceptions and foster camaraderie in our community.

Triano, who works as an instructional assistant in a self-contained autism classroom at HMS, has been working with neurodivergent children for many years. She has instructed students across the grade levels, but the one thing that remains a constant is her commitment to the students and the need to ensure they are part of the school community.

Every year Triano does a project in the school to raise awareness for autism and neurodiversity.

This year she asked everyone in the HMS community, students and staff to sign a "Pledge of Acceptance," which asks stakeholders to not only further their understanding of neurodivergent individuals but to play an active role in ensuring that all feel welcomed within the school community.

More than 800 pledges were created and then used to create an installation in the halls of HMS, which speaks to the school community’s commitment to the endeavor and its importance.

Nicole Krause, a Hillsborough parent, noticed Triano’s work while at HMS and remarked, "The passion for this project leapt from the wall."

When asked about the need for this work, Triano responded, "We want all students to feel that they are a valued part of our school community and autistic students are no exception."

HMS has many programs that support a wide array of student needs.

Joseph Trybulski, HMS Principal spoke to this educational diversity as a source of pride and strength, "All students come to understand and better accept the diversity of learners as one community when they are working and living together in classrooms and lunchrooms, side by side. Autism Awareness & Acceptance month is a time for us all to better understand the challenges that those with Autism face and reflect on how we can each be both a friend and support to them now and through life."

Henry Goodhue, Hillsborough Education Association President, noted, "Mrs. Triano is a wonderful example of the hundreds of dedicated Instructional Assistants and Educational Support Professionals who work in Hillsborough schools. These professionals play a critical role in our students’ educations and we are proud of Mrs. Triano’s determination to ensure that all students find success and a sense of community."

Through her work with neurodivergent students, Triano has seen them overcome many obstacles, including being misunderstood.

"The students can sometimes be dismissed, or coddled, neither of which is what they need. They need acceptance and understanding," according to Triano as she spoke to the importance of community.

"While neurodivergent individuals may have some differences," said Triano, "They can still be an important part of our school communities and do remarkable things."

— Submitted by Hillsborough Education Association