Wicked Local
PLYMOUTH – The world observed Autism Awareness Day earlier this month; Nathaniel Morton Elementary School embraces it every day with the help and positive example of an employee who was diagnosed with the developmental disorder two decades ago.
Madison Marilla has been the school’s student activities director since February. Fresh out of college with a degree in psychology, she works with special education students primarily, using art therapy to help kids having difficulties get through the day.
She knows firsthand how hard it can be.
“I am autistic myself and I want to give back to the kids that are on the spectrum. I want them to see it in a positive way, not a negative way. I want them to see it as a journey that they’re going to go on,” Marilla said during a recent break between classes. “When I was their ages, I could understand all the behaviors that they have.”