USA: Finding Success at School Because of a First Friend
In the United States, access to education for special needs students varies from school-to-school, among districts, counties, and states. It is not abnormal for families to relocate to find the best resources and services available for their loved one based on age and life chapter. California stands tall as it provides incredible state-based supports; New Jersey is known for its services until adulthood; and New York is a leader in adult resources. Even in those model states, getting proper accommodations within the public school system is unequal based on how districts and unique schools within those districts have allocated funding.
Enter Lupe Lara, a paraeducator who can be found working in the Manhattan Beach Unified School District as a 1:1 aid for the success of high needs students. Lupe is known for her superior ability to connect with pupils and understand the why behind behaviors. Seeing beyond surface-level antecedents, she easily determines root causes of maladaptive behaviors and handles them with calm mastery.
Watching Lupe is like watching an Olympic athlete that makes their sport look fun and easy, because they are THAT GOOD, eclipsing the incredible training and expertise that it takes to perform at that level. Parents watch her interact with students and make special requests for her to switch over to their child. The relationships that she forms is of genuine care and friendship, handily perceived by them. For many, she is their first real friend outside of the family.
Lupe was on a career trajectory in politics, looking to change the world for children within the realm of policymaking. But when she had the opportunity to be hands-on and truly help the student (and their parents) with her standard of care, she jumped on it.
When asked why she’s so good at her job, she answers in a way that is uniquely hers. She emphasizes the children and not herself, and says, “I’ve always wanted to work with kids. To give them a voice; to help them. I stumbled into autism care through a friend and I’ve never looked back. I found my calling. I found my career!”
As the founder and CEO of the Global Autism Coalition, I am personally thankful for Lupe’s friendship with my son, Jack. She changed his life and at 12-years-old, although minimally verbal, he continues to say her name at pivotal moments, four years after leaving her care. She is engraved in our family’s success journey and she serves as a model of the authentic connection that should be standard across those who work with those we love so much.