[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 56 (Friday, March 30, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E725]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BOSTON HIGASHI SCHOOL

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                         HON. STEPHEN F. LYNCH

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 29, 2007

  Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Boston 
Higashi School's 20th anniversary. Since 1987, the Boston Higashi 
School has been treating children with autism and pervasive 
developmental disorders. Their dedicated work helps students benefit 
from and contribute to society while bringing hope and joy to their 
families.
  Autism, a lifelong, nonprogressive developmental disability, results 
from still unspecified impairments to normal brain development. 
Impairments in social interaction, communication and in the capacity 
for imaginative and symbolic thinking characterize this syndrome. 
Autism varies in severity from person to person. Therefore, individuals 
are often described as having autism spectrum disorder.
  The Boston Higashi School bases its philosophy in the world-renowned 
tenets of Daily Life Therapy developed by the late Dr. Kiyo Kitahara of 
Tokyo, Japan. Dr. Kiyo Kitahara's method provides children with 
systematic education through the intermingling of academics and 
technology, as well as art, music and physical education. This 
educational approach is intended to help individuals achieve social 
independence and dignity.
  Madam Speaker, it is my distinct honor to take the floor of the House 
today to join with the faculty, students and families of this fine 
institution in celebrating the school's 20 years of dedicated service. 
I would like to commend their perseverance and patience in coping with 
the day-to-day realities of this disorder and wish them well. I hope my 
colleagues will join me in recognizing the mission and accomplishments 
of the Boston Higashi School and its dedication to helping students and 
their families.

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