Calm, quick action of student with autism saves a staffer’s life

Mike Dupuis, a New Heights Elementary fifth-grader with autism, recently saved a life.

Here is how it happened.

During breakfast in New Height’s cafeteria, ESE Associate Audrey McCaulsky had a severe diabetic episode.

Dupuis noticed that McCaulsky was sweating and acting confused.

Recognizing that both are signs of a diabetic attack, Dupuis obtained orange juice from the cafeteria manager. He alerted another adult for help. The paramedics were called. McCaulsky’s sugar levels were checked. There were dangerously low at 26.

When blood sugar drops below 50, there is a progressive loss of mental function and eventually unconsciousness. Seizures can occur which are very dangerous and are a medical emergency, said Dr. Edward S. Horton, Section Head, Clinical Research at Joslin Diabetes Center and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School.

“Mike’s quick thinking and calm reaction saved Ms. McCaulsky,” said Cheryl Collette, Mike’s teacher.