Kenny Jakeman is not a fan of corn. Or carrots.

But the 11-year-old agreed to give both a try at his schools annual Thanksgiving lunch Thursday, as practice for his family dinner this weekend.

Jakeman is one of six students at Woodview Learning Centre (WLC) in Aldershot, a small private school for children with autism.

The intimate class size six kids and three teachers allows staff to focus not just on academics, but building social skills and addressing the specific needs and challenges outlined by the students families.

Structure is a big thing for these kids and the unfamiliar, such as trying new foods, can be overwhelming.

We are very much mimicking a real school, said program coordinator Lindsey Court.

But here they can play outside without so many other kids around to cause them anxiety. They play with each other were really such a close community with the kids and their parents.

Autism is a neurobiological disorder that often leads to difficulty with verbal and non-verbal communication and social interaction. Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) occur in about 1 in 200 people in Canada.

Kennys mom, Sue Jakeman says WLC was a lifesaver.

Theyre our family. I know that even when Kennys gone from there, we will always keep in touch (with the school). And with the other families.

Originally posted here:
Small school for kids with autism a ‘lifesaver’