Josh's experience of education commenced with a Son-rise programme at age 4 until age 7, recruiting volunteers from the local Jewish community.
Joshua and his family spent time in America at "The Options Institute" learning how to implement this programme before setting it up at home.
Josh typed "I remember this programme. I was four years old. I found it a very boring experience. The community support was a gain."
Following this, Joshua embarked on one year of ABA (Applied Behavioural Analysis)
"It was really easy."
At age 9, Josh enrolled as a student in a specialist school in America.
"My residential school overseas was interesting and sometimes good fun. I was also very busy and active. The separation was horrible. Intellectually it was pretty laughable. Spiritually it was empty."
"I would like to include a section on special Schools. I believe great things will and do happen but never in an environment like this. Terrible boredom grabs hold of you and you will forget the person you are. The best places are where everyone is treated equally and can learn."
After five and a half years at The American School, Joshua returned to live with his family in the UK and commenced a three year studentship in a local mainstream orthodox Jewish School.
"People have to listen to our voices in the wilderness of disability... We know what we need if you can find a way to hear us..... You need to see we are equal alongside everyone else. I believe we really need to teach that Autism is the enemy not us personally. To have our selfhood accepted and not our disablity is the most important thing. Some people feel that having a disability kills every thought in your head and with it your place in the community".
Joshua Harris Letter to The Jewish Tribune, 26th February 2007
"My ideal teacher would have great awareness of my needs. I would like them to be organised and patient as these are things that I like in people."
"I want to meet my classmates before joining the class. I would say that I am individual who thinks he is important. I feel that I am important because I have so much happiness. I would like to have the Jewish Torah in the room. I would like to have a computer."
Plans are in place for Joshua to commence Yeshiva (a college of advanced Jewish Studies) in August 2007 accompanied by his learning partners/PAs/facilitators.
