Autism No Roadblock for 'Inspiring' Drauden Point Graduation Speaker

Lisa Morgan wore waterproof mascara and brought a full box of tissues when she watched her son graduate from middle school Friday night.

Not only was eighth-grader Austin Morgan selected as one of three students to speak at Drauden Point Middle School’s promotion ceremony, but he achieved the honor after overcoming some pretty large obstacles in his 14 years.

At about 2 years old, Austin was diagnosed with autism. As a toddler, he didn’t make good eye contact or respond to his name, Lisa Morgan said. He had repetitive behavior and wouldn’t let his parents interact with him.

He didn’t talk until he was 3 years old.

Now, 11 years after he formed those first words, he spoke to his peers, their families and the Drauden Point staff as he graduated.

“I have autism,” Austin wrote in his speech, “which means I learn and think differently and sometimes might act differently, too. When I joined Drama Club, everyone accepted me for who I was. They treated me like everyone else and were always there to help me whenever I needed them."

Lisa Morgan said from the moment Austin was diagnosed with autism, she and her husband Brad got him early intervention therapy, knowing that if he didn’t talk by the time he was 7 years old, the likelihood of him ever talking would decrease. When he was little, Morgan said she didn’t know if he would be able to function in society without assistance.

“He’s come so far – from not speaking at all to speaking at his graduation,” Morgan said. “It’s incredible.”

Morgan said she hopes Austin’s speech will inspire others or bring hope and optimism to families with autistic children, knowing there are great possibilities out there for children with special needs.

Austin, who let out an enthusiastic and drawn out “yeah” when asked if he was excited to graduate and attend high school, said he enjoyed his years at Drauden Point. His favorite memories, he said, include being a part of the school’s drama club, participating in plays and working with Angela Mann, his teacher in the Functional Based Instruction program, which serves students with multiple needs.

“He’s very outgoing and loves to perform,” Mann said. “Other kids (in Austin’s class) are excited and inspired by him.”

Lisa Morgan said the staff at Drauden Point has taught Austin important life skills to help him learn to function in society. They conformed to Austin’s learning needs rather than make Austin conform to a specific teaching style, she said.

“The school is just phenomenal,” Morgan said. “It has a great program for any child with a disability.”

When Austin asked to join the drama club, Morgan said she was hesitant. She worried if he would be able to stay on task or practice or if the students would accept him. The staff at school was very accommodating, she said, and her son thrived on stage.

Austin, who easily memorizes songs and is “quite a rapper,” according to his mom, wants to participate in drama and choir at Plainfield South High School.

Austin, big brother to 8-year-old Haley, was one of three student selected to speak at the promotion ceremony out of 25 who auditioned for the chance.

“We are just beyond proud of him,” Lisa Morgan said.

In his speech, Austin thanked those who helped him throughout middle school.

“The students in the class of 2011 aren’t just my classmates; they are my family away from home,” he wrote. “In the cookies of life, these friends are the chocolate chips. Drauden Point will always hold a special place in my heart.”