Why is there a swing in that room?

     For the past four years I have heard this question asked numerous times as inquisitive teenagers walk past the door way of my classroom. Here they are in a high school listening to their iPods, texting on their smart phones, and focusing on Friday night when they suddenly see another high school student swinging vigorously on a swing in a classroom. At this point one of two things happen: they either ask me if they can come in and try out the swing or they stare for a moment, shrug their shoulders and keep on walking.
     There is a swing in my classroom because all of my students are on the Autism Spectrum, and they need the swing and other items to help them cope with their sensory needs during the school day. While there are marked differences between them and their neurotypical peers, they are like the normal teen in so many ways. They want to fit in, to make friends, and to have a date to the Masquerade Ball.
    The high school kids that stop by and ask to check out the swing usually come back for further visits. They soon realize that the kids on the swing are fun to hang out with and that the swing is kind of cool too.