UISD Kicks Off Autism Awareness Month with Proclamation and New Sensory Room

Posted Date: 04/03/2025

The United Independent School District kicked off Autism Awareness Month with a proclamation and a ribbon cutting for the district’s third state-of-the-art sensory room at Juan R. Ramirez Middle School. The proclamation was read by City of Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor Treviño, followed by a message of kindness and inclusion from UISD Board Secretary Michelle Molina.  

“As a parent it means a lot because what we want is inclusion,” said Board Secretary Michelle Molina. “What we want is for our children to be accepted and for people to treat our kids well.”

The program also included special performances by the Juan R. Ramirez Middle School Rattlers. Students and staff participated in a parade around the school celebrating their special needs students. A ribbon cutting was held to showcase the new sensory room inside the campus featuring different areas that provide stimulation. 

“The sensory room is very important for our students,” said Laura De los Santos, Executive Director for Special Education. “It teaches them how to cope, de-escalate and address sensitivity issues. The rooms cater to the different senses for autistic students.”

Currently there are over one thousand students with autism in the district benefiting from the different services including the sensory rooms. The district has also implemented sensory walls at 21 of their elementary campuses. UISD Board Secretary Michelle Molina says the district continues working on expanding the sensory rooms across the different campuses. She believes every child deserves to have a safe space where they can maximize their learning.   

“If I can give any advice to our parents and community is to understand the early signs,” said Mrs. Molina. “With that comes acceptance which comes in many forms and stages throughout a child’s life as a family. I ask that you advocate for the services your child needs and don't apologize for it.” 

UISD will continue celebrating Autism Awareness during the month of April with different activities across the district.