Dr. Glenis Benson
Spirit of Support Award 2008
Submitted by Lezli Redmond
I believe that Dr. Glenis Benson saved our son’s life, and maybe
mine. I mean that literally. My husband Doug and I met her just
after Chris was diagnosed with ASD five years ago, at age 9. I can’t
imagine being here now, alive and well, without her generous
support, professional expertise, and just plain kindness.
When we met Dr. Benson we were still reeling from the recent
diagnosis, and struggling mightily with school. Chris was seen as
willful, disrespectful and lazy, and we as bad parents. Ill-advised
by school and other professionals, we had increased the negative
consequences for his disturbing behaviors. This served only to
create a very frightened, distrusting, and hopeless little boy. His
sense of failure and isolation was unbearable.
Shortly later, I was diagnosed with cancer and began chemotherapy.
We wondered how we could possibly continue to keep Chris at home.
What about our daughter, our jobs, our marriage? Doug and I were
grieving, isolated, exhausted and out of ideas. Our family life was
one never-ending crisis.
Enter Dr. Benson. She taught us about ASD and observed that Chris
was not “bad” but reacting in a nearly constant state of “fight or
flight.” She taught us about positive behavior supports and other
evidence-based strategies. She worked tirelessly with school
personnel to help them understand and make appropriate
accommodations, not just for Chris but for all kids with ASD.
Her approach is about changing the environment rather than trying to
change the child. She views negative behaviors as functional, and
for these kids the function is often communication. Glenis reminds
us that if we address communication and social skills, everything
else, including academics, will come.
Chris is now a social and stable young man with many interests and
talents. We are so proud of him. Most days we have confidence as
parents and high hopes for the future. We have our family back and
Dr. Benson to thank.
Chris is just one boy, and we are just one family, of hundreds she
has served in her more than 30 year career.
Dr. Benson specializes in the tremendous challenges of educating
kids on the spectrum in our public education system. But her impact
reaches far beyond the schools. For example, she was a founding
member of Camp Awesum. Here kids with ASD can experience the fun of
residential summer camp with all the support they need.
Dr. Benson has dedicated her career to her “kiddos,” as she calls
them. Always with the needs of youth on the spectrum at heart, she
trains hundreds of school personnel each year, is a nationally
recognized speaker and expert, with a large and demanding case-load.
She never gives up and does it all with courage, enthusiasm and a
sense of humor.
As Chris says, “Glenis is generous, true to her word and sticks with
you all the way. She keeps the kid’s needs in mind, doesn’t back
down, and makes it happen. She’s awesome at her job. Based on my
experience, I recommend her for this award.”
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