2 THE TOWER May, 2023
Kean Celebrates National Autism Acceptance Month By Steven-Ross Bugayong April is here, and with it comes World Autism Acceptance Month. This Month celebrates autistic voices, and for some people here at Kean University recognize, advocate and bring awareness to Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Spectrum Disorder affects the way people observe the world. It impacts how people perceive and socializes with others. The disorder may include differences in thinking, processing, and physical moving. Since 1972, Autism Awareness Month has been celebrated in April, and in 2007, the United Nations adopted April 2 as World Autism Awareness Matthew Girello Day. The Autism Society of America, in 2021, advocated for Autism Awareness Month to be changed to Autism Acceptance Month to focus more on perspective-creating connections, empowering everyone in the Autism
“I hope the one thing people get from Autism acceptance month is that they should listen to people on the spectrum.”
Photo by Norman Ayala
community to live a life fully rather than pointing out differences. Matt Girello, a junior majoring in communications, who is on the spectrum, said the most significant effect of being autistic is how he interacts with people. "There's a lot of big gatherings I'm uncomfortable in; if there's a lot of people, I get overstimulated." Girello said, "I like being in a small group or somewhere less crowded like the movies or
comic book stores." Marissa Gomez, a sophmore double majoring in Early Childhood Education with Autism Spectrum Disorder
and ABA therapy, found her passion for Autism Adovacty early on. "From a young age, I always knew I wanted to work with kids with special needs because my cousin grew up severely autistic, and I always had a deeper connection with him," Gomez said. "I was also drawn to the students who needed extra help in my classes as I grew up. I always strive to help them as best as I can." According to the National Library of Medicine, "Sex/ Gender Differences in Symptomology and Camouflaging in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder," Autism Spectrum Disorder is more prevalent in males than females. Research by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that Autism Spectrum Disorder is nearly four times more common among boys than girls. A possible explanation for this stat is that females on continued on page 12
Listening Circle Allows a Safe Space to Discuss Issues By Valerie Allen Most people think they are good listeners, but in reality it is a skill that needs to be developed, according to Sandra Bodin-Lerner, a Kean University adjunct professor of communication. Bodin-Lerner created and teaches COMM 38805 Communication & Listening, a study of what constitutes effective listening: why it is crucial, what makes it so difficult to achieve, and methods to develop communication competency to enhance work, academic, romantic, familial, and social relationships. This semester she formed an impromptu Kean Listening Circle during college hour to practice listening skills. It was supposed to be a monthly circle, but after the first meeting on Jan. 24, the students were so engaged that they asked for it to be held twice a month. "The circle is an intentional space based on mindful presence, deep listening, sharing stories, witnessing, and confidentiality," said Bodin-Lerner. Christopher Gbeve, 20, a psychology major, said that the Kean Listening Circle
is refreshing because it allows students to express themselves in a smaller environment. "I like having casual and heavy conversations and hearing everyone else’s opposing views without taking offense," Gbeve said. The topics discussed in the circles so far have included abortion, banned books, Gen Z and ethics in the workplace, to name a few. The listening circle empowers students to listen and be heard. Students learn to become facilitators of the circle where they gain confidence to share their ideas. Students also learn how to control the need to jump in and hijack conversations. "In the field of study in the Communication discipline, students focus on talking and not listening, said Bodin-Lerner. "The in-class listening circle taught them how to become better listeners." The Listening course was developed about 10 years ago when Bodin-Lerner noticed while teaching a course in Interpersonal Communication that students responded well to a single class lesson on listening.
Bodin-Lerner said that 20 years ago, people were less immersed in electronics. "Despite the evolution of electronics, we listen to what reinforces what we want to hear and that does not humanize us today," she said. Bodin-Lerner has a special interest in listening. She is a member of the International Listening Association, a network of professionals committed to promoting the study and development of effective listening. Members exchange A Listening Circle information by sharing teaching objectives, learning activities, promotional methods, and materials.
Photo by Valerie Allen
Members are also encouraged to pursue listening research as listening affects continued on page 13