Getting to know you

It’s prom night. A big night for most seniors, but not for one. Elizabeth sits at a table, radiant in her elegant red gown, hair carefully coiffed, nails manicured and sparkling. She silently takes in the sights and sounds of the night with her date — her adult special education paraprofessional. Sitting alone isn’t anything new to her. Elizabeth has autism.

At another table, Kim sits with a group of friends. She notices Elizabeth sitting alone with an adult. What a crappy way to spend prom night, she thought. Kim has seen Elizabeth around school, but has never spoken to her. As part of one of her English classes, Kim has been mentoring an elementary student who is also on the autism spectrum and has seen how painful it is for her to be so isolated from others her age. Without a word to her friends, Kim rises from her table and slowly approaches the two quietly sipping their Cokes.

“Hey,” she begins cautiously, “do you wanna join me and my friends?”