The fastest growing category of students with special needs in our schools has been identified as those with autism.
The Bluewater District School Board has an autism behaviour specialist at its disposal, supported with provincial funding.
Sandra McCraken has been in the position four years and made a presentation at a Bluewater board meeting.
She says her job is to help the children affected and their families. She also helps school staff and other students learn the best ways to help students with autism succeed.
"Autism is a different culture and our culture is different for them and they have a hard time understanding that and we need to help them navigate and be successful," says McCraken.
McCracken says progress with children with autism comes in small steps, but it's rewarding.
"The student smiles and you can feel and see that they're being successful and happy with what they've done, they've accomplished something in their day," she says.
Currently the Bluewater Board has 170 students identified with some form of autism.