COLUMBUS, GA - <\/p>\n
Recent studies show 1 in 88 children are diagnosed with autism in the United States. <\/p>\n
A group of Columbus students are not letting their diagnosis hold them down, andthey can now say they are authors after penning the pages of a new book. <\/p>\n
The short stories and pictures of animals inA is for Autismwereall written and illustrated by students with autism, like 16-year-old Keveran McDonald. Keveran's father, Mark, says it is overwhelming to see the pages A is for Autism. <\/p>\n
\"I'm very proud of his accomplishments. Sometimes you don't think things like this would be possible, but they surprise you. Just makes me really proud,\" said McDonald. <\/p>\n
Rebecca Gristina, the President of the Board of Directors at Bridges Learning Center in Columbus, a school that focuses on helping autistic children, says this three-year project allowed a group of their students to channel their emotions. <\/p>\n
\"A lot of the kids struggle with building relationships and friendships with peers. Traditionally developing peers, and these stories are mostly about friendship,\" said Gristina. <\/p>\n
All of the proceeds from book sales will go back to the school where 75% of the students have some kind of financial aid. That money will go to close that gap as well as help with therapy for the students. <\/p>\n
\"We involve our students in hypo-therapy which is horseback riding and water therapy. We also have a computer program called brain jog which focuses the kids on their eye movement in order to build that eye contact,\" said Gristina <\/p>\n
McDonald says because of this school, his son has a chance to thrive. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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