‘An inspiration to all of us’ — Massachusetts teen with autism inducted into National Honor Society
Published 11:53 am Wednesday, April 5, 2017
- Austin Abell
GLOUCESTER, Mass. –– Shilo Abell will always remember the September day in 2001 when doctors told her and her husband, Ed, that their 2-year-old son, Austin, had autism.
“They told us that he may never read, write or talk,” she said.
“They said I would never succeed at anything,” Austin said.
They were wrong.
The 17-year-old junior was among 47 Gloucester High students inducted into the National Honor Society two weeks ago. School officials believe he is the first Gloucester student with autism to reach that goal.
April is Autism Awareness Month and the Abells hope their son’s accomplishment will inspire other parents of children with autism — as well as other schools and educators — and help them to realize what those with the disorder can achieve.
“We weren’t sure at the time whether to enroll him in a public school or maybe look to something more specialized,” says Ed Abell, adding that even special education schools don’t offer that many programs dealing with autism.
“His academic achievement is really remarkable for the challenges that he faces,” says Gloucester High Principal James Cook. “He’s an exceptional young man, and what he has done really goes to the heart of showing that Gloucester High School is a place where all students can succeed, can thrive, can grow, and can find a place within the school. Austin certainly has done that.”
Autism is a complex disorder that affects the brain on various levels, impacting behavior and communication skills, and causing difficulties in social interaction.
In an essay that was a critical part of his application for National Honor Society, Austin wrote, “I’ll be honest with you, it’s not easy being me.
“It’s lonely, frustrating, confusing, and constantly challenging, even with my hobbies.”
His essay caught the attention of the Gloucester High committee judging the National Honor Society applications. Austin had met the school’s NHS academic qualifications, with average grades of 88 or better. His parents thought he should apply, even though he had no entries for the lines citing “leadership” and “volunteer service.”
“He’s an inspiration to all of us,” says Rayanne Menery Sammataro, who teaches Italian at Gloucester High and serves as adviser for the National Honor Society. “He’s earned this, and he deserves what he’s achieved. “
It has been “a long road” for Austin to face his challenges and move forward, they say. Steps along the way have included extensive speech therapy, physical therapy and other approaches.
“We’ve always had a thing where we will try everything,” Shilo says, “and if something we try might fail, we try it one more time. If it fails again, then we’ll move on. But we always try that one extra time.”
Ed Abell recalls one important step that came when the family was driving up to New Hampshire, and past some horses in a field.
“He had never said or shown anything about it, but he looked out and said, ‘I want to ride a horse,’” Ed recalls. When they returned, they sought out therapeutic riding programs, but found none that dealt with autistic riders. Turning Leaf Farm in Essex, however, welcomed the Abells, and all realized that it helped Austin, who began riding at 10 and now comfortably rides a 9-year-old horse named Criquet on the farm and in regional horse shows.
“We think that the steady motion of the horse has a calming influence on him and helps relax him,” says his mother, who says Austin had anxiety outbursts growing up.
His parents aren’t sure what will be next for Austin after he graduates from Gloucester High. They’re looking into programs offered by Endicott College, Salem State University and North Shore Community College that can accommodate autistic students.
“But we think of it as a matter of hope and faith,” Shilo says. “We hope he finds his way, and we have the faith that he will be able to overcome.”
Lamont writes for the Gloucester, Massachusetts Times.