The New Neighbor

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The New Neighbor

• By Amanda Genovise

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Yes Amanda, they are the Spencers, you will meet
them soon.
Look Mom, New Neighbors
I cant wait to meet them!
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We are your new neighbors!! My name is Jenny.
And this is my brother JJ. Lets play together
now.
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I wonder why JJ is walking alone?
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Thats funny JJ, that was a good ape
impersonation!
Amanda, thats not funny, JJ has autism, he
wasnt trying to be funny, he cant help what he
does sometimes.
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Mom, I accidentally made fun of JJ today. But, I
didnt know he had autism. I feel badly now.
You didnt do it on purpose. Now you know JJ has
a chemical imbalance that makes it difficult for
him to be social. But, he is very bright.
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That explains why JJ goes to a different school
and keeps to himself. I feel really badly about
how I acted towards him. I shouldnt be so mean
to him anymore. 
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JJ is really nice, I should make sure other kids
arent mean to him.
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Why doesnt anyone want to sit with me?
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I still feel horrible about laughing at JJ. But
there are positive aspects to this now I feel
more comfortable around people with special
needs. Its a good thing I work at the Park
District where I can work one on one with kids
who have autism and other special needs.
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JJ has really changed my life. He really has
taught me a lot and I learned that I shouldnt
judge people and I should treat everyone nicely.