Recently, Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R,C,I,Ref-Ballston) visited Helping Hands Academy Nursery School located in Clifton Park. Helping Hands provides individualized special education for preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ADS) as well as other developmental disabilities. Walsh had the opportunity to tour the Helping Hands facility, stopping into various classrooms to meet the children and to speak with several families about the transition from the preschool special education program to public school education.

“My meeting with these wonderful parents was very emotional for me,” said Walsh. “Speaking with them brought back memories of when I faced the same concerns with my own child. I clearly remember being in their shoes and can understand their sense of worry for their children’s future. At the same time it was clear that these parents are so grateful for the skilled and compassionate teachers and staff at Helping Hands.

“The Helping Hands Academy Nursery School is a wonderful service provider in our community,” said Walsh. “As a parent of a young man on the autism spectrum, I understand that each child learns in a slightly different way, and the individualized program that is provided by Helping Hands celebrates each unique child and helps them to develop the tools they need to succeed in school and life.”