Whiz Kids: Mohamed Elsaid, Robert Belcher and Robin Day

Key to Awesomeness:  The three seventh-graders have not only increased membership in the Autism Speaks Club at Fox Lane Middle School, but they are also being recognized as finalists for the Z.A.K. award (Zylie’s Awesome Kids)—an award being offered for the first time by the “Zylie the Bear” company to tri-state elementary and middle school students who are giving back to their communities and setting an example.

Kathryn Reidy, a spokesperson from the educational toy company based in Greenwich, Connecticut, says the Zylie staff and judges selected the top five finalists based on their dedication to a social cause, their leadership in addressing it, and the demonstrated impact their work has had.

“The Autism Speaks team certainly demonstrates all of these qualities—you can tell that these kids are 100 percent committed to their cause to de-stigmatize the disability,” she said.

She says the essence of the award is to spotlight kids who aren't afraid to tackle tough issues and stand up for causes they believe in, while showing respect for themselves and others. Receiving this award, the Zylie company believes, will give these spectacular kids a platform from which to inspire others.

Mohamed Elsaid, twelve years old, says that de-stigmatizing the disability is just what he and the other club members want to do.

“Autism is not contagious,” he said. “The kids are just like us: they want to play games, hang out and have fun.”  He says his family and especially his brother (who is diagnosed with autism) are very proud that the club’s efforts at the middle school are being noticed.

The club has about 20 members who meet every week, spend time in classrooms as “buddies” interacting and socializing with the special needs students—many of whom have a difficult time communicating—and do activities like cooking or playing sports on Wednesdays after school.

The club members also travel to the elementary school to educate fifth graders about autism and help prepare them for interactions with autistic children. “The club was originally formed by a sibling of a student with autism to raise awareness and Mohamed, Robert and Robin have really revived the effort,” said Dr. Peter Faustino, the school psychologist and advisor to the club.

Winning the final award at the end of November would be nice, says Mohamed. “We are happy to be finalists, but if we win, we will split some of the $1,000 dollars and give the rest to autism causes.”