Yesterday James continued to learn the basics of the persuasive essay and he had to choose an issue and convince his readers to believe his position on it. His issue: PEOPLE DO NOT UNDERSTAND NON-VERBAL PEOPLE LIKE ME. His position: PEOPLE SHOULD BE MORE PATIENT AND UNDERSTANDING. Here is his essay:
NOT ALL PEOPLE CAN TALK, BUT WE DESERVE SOME RESPECT. HOW DOES SILENCE EQUATE TO DUMB? HAVEN’T SILENT PEOPLE IN THE PAST LIVED TO PROVE THIS FALSE? THAT INCLUDES HELEN KELLER. PEOPLE WHO ARE DEAF OR BLIND WERE THOUGHT TO BE RETARDED. HOWEVER, WE NOW KNOW THAT THEY ARE JUST AS CAPABLE AS THEIR PEERS. THEY NEEDED A DIFFERENT FORM OF COMMUNICATION. THIS IS THE SAME AS NON-VERBAL AUTISM. WE NEED INDIVIDUAL WAYS TO COMMUNICATE AND GET PAST OUR STIMS. THIS INCLUDES PATIENCE, SUPPORT AND TEACHERS. WE NEED YOUR HELP TO CLIMB OUT OF AUTISM.
I found it convincing!
Returning James 
James, honey, you are so right! People are only just beginning to understand exactly what you are saying. The only way we grow to understand better is by people like you who have shown us reality. I am so excited for all with autism that students like you are about to prove what you have had inside you all along. You rock, James!