AGXStarseed
Well-Known Member
(Not written by me)
Morgan Mason is a kid on a mission.
The 11-year-old Seaforth student has started an educational campaign to better inform people about autism, the oft-misunderstood development disorder he was told he had last year.
"I started this campaign because I learned I had autism last year and that is why other people treated me differently like teasing or bullying me," he told the Expositor. "I wanted to get people to be more interested in autism learn more about it and how it affects me. I wanted people to become aware that not everyone is the same inside and outside, but that isn't a reason to treat them poorly."
As part of his campaign, Mason has opted to raise money for autism awareness, already taking in $720 towards his goal of $750. He even spent the better part of March 20 soliciting funds for Autism Ontario at Seaforth's TD Bank branch
"I decided to raise money for autism awareness to donate to Autism Ontario and help other families living with autism," he said of his motivation. "I also wanted to learn more about why I am the way I am and Autism Ontario has been helping me and my family understand that."
Morgan Mason stalked out a position at Seaforth's TD Bank branch on March 20 to raise money for autism awareness. (Marco Vigliotti/Huron Expositor)
Mason also applauded efforts by Autism Ontario to organize special events for children dealing with the disorder, including its 'Mad Science Day' held over the March Break holiday.
He said these sort of group events provide a level of acceptance that can be tough to come by around those unfamiliar with the disorder.
"It feels good to be part of a group and not being worried about fitting in or accepted," Mason said. "I want everyone to be aware and be accepting of people with any disability but especially autism."
His mother Elizabeth says she is very proud of her son's efforts to make "the world a better place," noting that Morgan was diagnosed with high functioning autism/Asperger's syndrome when he was only 15 months old.
"We made a conscious choice to not tell Morgan until he asked," she explained. "He is highly intelligent and misunderstood; we have faced many battles over the years, but we have had many successes too."
Elizabeth also underscored the importance of organizations like Autism Ontario in assisting families and children alike with autism, especially the group's local branch. Unfortunately, support for rural families pales in comparison to those living in bigger urban centres, she says.
"That is why it is important to us to support our local chapter of Autism Ontario. I joined the local chapter board of directors and the support is amazing," Elizabeth explained, noting that all positions with the Huron-Perth chapter are held by volunteers. "All money raised stays local and helps those that people and their families directly with social activities, funding for special expenses related to autism and help to ease the burden to these families."
Morgan's next high-profile public appearance will be at an assembly at Seaforth Public School to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day on April 2. Morgan will help raise the autism awareness flag, which was generously donated by Autism Ontario.
Those interested in learning more about Morgan's campaign are invited to check out www.facebook.com/morganmasonASD.
SOURCE: Seaforth student raises money for autism awareness | Seaforth Huron Expositor
Morgan Mason is a kid on a mission.
The 11-year-old Seaforth student has started an educational campaign to better inform people about autism, the oft-misunderstood development disorder he was told he had last year.
"I started this campaign because I learned I had autism last year and that is why other people treated me differently like teasing or bullying me," he told the Expositor. "I wanted to get people to be more interested in autism learn more about it and how it affects me. I wanted people to become aware that not everyone is the same inside and outside, but that isn't a reason to treat them poorly."
As part of his campaign, Mason has opted to raise money for autism awareness, already taking in $720 towards his goal of $750. He even spent the better part of March 20 soliciting funds for Autism Ontario at Seaforth's TD Bank branch
"I decided to raise money for autism awareness to donate to Autism Ontario and help other families living with autism," he said of his motivation. "I also wanted to learn more about why I am the way I am and Autism Ontario has been helping me and my family understand that."
Morgan Mason stalked out a position at Seaforth's TD Bank branch on March 20 to raise money for autism awareness. (Marco Vigliotti/Huron Expositor)
Mason also applauded efforts by Autism Ontario to organize special events for children dealing with the disorder, including its 'Mad Science Day' held over the March Break holiday.
He said these sort of group events provide a level of acceptance that can be tough to come by around those unfamiliar with the disorder.
"It feels good to be part of a group and not being worried about fitting in or accepted," Mason said. "I want everyone to be aware and be accepting of people with any disability but especially autism."
His mother Elizabeth says she is very proud of her son's efforts to make "the world a better place," noting that Morgan was diagnosed with high functioning autism/Asperger's syndrome when he was only 15 months old.
"We made a conscious choice to not tell Morgan until he asked," she explained. "He is highly intelligent and misunderstood; we have faced many battles over the years, but we have had many successes too."
Elizabeth also underscored the importance of organizations like Autism Ontario in assisting families and children alike with autism, especially the group's local branch. Unfortunately, support for rural families pales in comparison to those living in bigger urban centres, she says.
"That is why it is important to us to support our local chapter of Autism Ontario. I joined the local chapter board of directors and the support is amazing," Elizabeth explained, noting that all positions with the Huron-Perth chapter are held by volunteers. "All money raised stays local and helps those that people and their families directly with social activities, funding for special expenses related to autism and help to ease the burden to these families."
Morgan's next high-profile public appearance will be at an assembly at Seaforth Public School to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day on April 2. Morgan will help raise the autism awareness flag, which was generously donated by Autism Ontario.
Those interested in learning more about Morgan's campaign are invited to check out www.facebook.com/morganmasonASD.
SOURCE: Seaforth student raises money for autism awareness | Seaforth Huron Expositor
