“Students with Autism Have Something to Teach All of Us” - Says

Educator Brooke Rutledge

Rates of autism are rising in the United States, and there is no clear explanation as
to why this is happening.

San Antonio, TX - USA, October 23, 2019 -- Rates of autism are rising in the United States,
and there is no clear explanation as to why this is happening. One clear challenge that
classrooms across the country face is how to identify and help cultivate the unique talents
that these students bring to the learning environment.

With nearly a decade of experience in the classroom, special educator Brooke Kodish
Rutledge has seen firsthand the impact that a unique student can have on those around her.
For Rutledge, her student, Clara, became a special inspiration.

“Even though I was her teacher,” Rutledge says, “I want people to know that she taught me
a lot as well. She taught me that everyone has a voice; it’s just that sometimes they are
harder to hear at first. I helped Clara discover her own voice and how it could shape others.”
Rutledge recalls one of Clara’s favorite sayings: Relax, you’re cool. This saying has stayed
with Rutledge in the years since having Clara in her classroom. This was a mantra that Clara
would repeat to herself in moments of stress to stay calm and work through the troubling
situation.

Rutledge observed Clara, as she progressed from not being able to functionally
communicate verbally to being able to make requests, speak in sentences, and even sing to
her classmates. Seeing this transformation “was beautiful and inspirational,” Rutledge
comments.

Rutledge decided to share Clara’s story with the world in hopes of touching others just as
Clara touched her. She penned her first book for children, entitled “A Rainbow Shines
Through Clara” to not only shed light on the challenges of autism but to also emphasize how
hope and perseverance can change a child’s life.

“Clara’s story is unique,” the author explains. “I hope that it inspires other people like it
inspired me. I want people to be moved and realize how special these children are.” The
takeaway message? “Don’t be afraid to make a connection with them.”

Publisher Lisa M. Umina comments, “Rutledge has a valuable perspective on the special
contributions of children with autism in the classroom. Rutledge is teaching a message that
we all need to hear about accepting others and ourselves and celebrating our differences.”
For more information about Brooke Kodish Rutledge visit her website
www.brookekrutledge.wordpress.com and www.halopublishing.com.

“A Rainbow Shines Through Clara” is now available at Halo Publishing International,

Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Books a Million.

Press & Media Contact:

Lisa Michelle Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International, Inc
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176,
San Antonio, TX 78213 - USA
+1 216-255-6756
http://www.halopublishing.com