By GRETA SHUSTER Beacon Media Staff Writer
This story was originally published in the Warwick Beacon, a publication partner of Ocean State Stories.
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WARWICK — Since her son was diagnosed with autism at 3 years old, Nicole Romero has been searching for ways to bring awareness and support to children with autism and other disabilities.
Romero’s son, Robert “RJ” Scanlon, is now 8 years old and attends Hoxsie Elementary School in Warwick. Recently, she published a coloring book highlighting the way her son sees the world, titled “Seeing Through RJ’s Eyes: A Coloring Journey of Feelings and Fun.” The book aims to promote emotional growth, sensory exploration and self-expression.
In December, Principal Gary McCoombs, who has been very supportive of the book throughout the process, invited Romero to Hoxsie to read to special education classrooms at the school.
“The biggest thing was that RJ got to showcase himself and he actually read some of the book,” said Romero. “It really got him to be able to communicate and see that other kids were receptive to it.”
Romero read several pages of the book aloud to the classes and printed out a coloring activity for the students as well. She left a copy of the book with the teachers so they could use it in future lessons. She said the students were excited to participate in a hands-on activity and were very supportive of RJ as well.
Romero said her highlight of the day she went into the school was seeing how her son interacted with his peers, showing his growth in his interpersonal and communication skills.
“Seeing RJ be able to communicate with his peers and be excited about his book and know what’s going on was just big for me,” said Romero. “When you’re dealing with a child with a disability or autism, sometimes you get so preoccupied in the day-to-day that you miss out on the little wins.”
When RJ was first diagnosed, Romero said it came as a shock. She immediately wanted to get involved in the community so she could advocate for her son and get him access to the resources he needs to succeed.
“It was really new to our family,” she said, explaining that none of her other children have disabilities. “Even though RJ is very high on the spectrum, the big thing with him is not being about to communicate fully.”
RJ is involved with the Autism Project and goes to its summer camp in South Kingstown each year. He participates in programs with Special Olympics, including basketball.
