Benjamin's Hope – A Place Where We All Belong
At 15 months old, Benjamin Mason was a typical toddler with a budding vocabulary and an active curiosity. But then, over the next few months, Benjamin started to withdraw, losing his vocabulary and turning completely inward. Doctors diagnosed Benjamin as having profound autism.
Despite his autism, the Masons tried to give Benjamin a normal life. However, his severe autism made it hard for him to participate in the usual activities of kids his age. The Masons struggled greatly with how they could help Benjamin, and that’s when they came up with the idea of Benjamin’s Hope. Benjamin’s Hope, which is currently in the planning stages, will provide a living community for people with autism and other disabilities. It hopes to be a place where such people can thrive and live happy, productive lives!
This video tells all about Benjamin’s Hope.
Additional Resources:
- Here is an article that tells all about the plans for Benjamin’s Hope.
- Here is a video that tells more about the progress of Benjamin’s Hope.
Topics for Discussion:
- Do you know anyone who has autism? What symptoms do they show, if any?
- How do you think the Benjamin’s Hope community will be able to help kids like Benjamin?
Take Action:
- Visit the Benjamin’s Hope website to learn more about this wonderful place and how you can help make it a reality!
- Visit the Autism Speaks website to learn more about autism and how you can help people with this condition.
Teacher Features:
- Here is a link to a Critical Reading Skills worksheet that you can use for elementary school students.
- Here is a link to a Critical Reading Skills worksheet that you can use for middle school students.
