Autism Awareness …

1. Autism Awareness … …and now you know Susan Matyuf Sterling Middle School

2. April is Autism Awareness Month Each day during announcements, we will learn something new about autism. On Fridays, take the weekly quiz in the library. A winner will be chosen from each grade from the correct entries. What do you know about AUTISM?

3. And now you know… The puzzle pattern on this ribbon reflects the mystery and complexity of autism. The different colors and shapes represent the diversity of people and families living with this disorder. The brightness of the ribbon signals hope for the future. From: http://www.houstonchapterasa.org/

4. And now you know… Look around the room… You see different faces, different hair, different clothes, different shoes. Our differences make us unique and who we are. People with autism think and behave differently. We will learn why this is to build our understanding and awareness.

5. And now you know… Autism is a neurological disorder that affects the way a person’s brain and body works. That means a person with autism thinks and behaves differently. People with autism may have trouble: communicating, interacting with others, and behaving in expected ways.

6. And now you know… “ASD” From: http://www.barberinstitute.org/autismINsight/disorders.php Autism is a called a “spectrum disorder.” That means no two people will have the exact same symptoms and characteristics. So… just like other teenagers, not all people with ASD are the same.

7. And now you know… School can be a frustrating place for someone with autism: -it’s noisy -the hall is crowded -classes are long -lots of changes -no time to relax -lots of writing - no friends It can be exhausting!

8. And now you know… Some people with autism have difficulty taking in information from their senses. They may get sensory overload when there is too much: • noise • smells • light • movement • touch (and different texture) They may become upset and not know how to calm themselves down, or find the words to tell you what is wrong.

9. And now you know… FAST FACTS: • No one really knows what causes autism. -- may be a combination of genetics and environmental causes • There is no cure for autism; it is lifelong. • 1 in 110 people in the U.S. have autism. • 4 times more boys than girls have ASD. • Autism affects all races, economic classes, and religions. • Individuals with autism look like you and me.

10. And now you know… Asperger’s Syndrome is: • on the autism continuum • a developmental disorder Individuals with Asperger’s have: • great memory for facts • intelligence • social skill challenges: conversations, eye contact • unusual interests/behaviors • a desire for routine

11. And now you know… People with ASD have trouble with social skills, like: • not making eye contact OR staring when talking to you • keeping a comfortable distance~ staying in personal space • understanding facial expressions and body language • waiting

12. And now you know… People with ASD have trouble with surprises and changes: • unexpected changes in routines like the library is closed • fire drills and bus changes • menu changes • homework Confusion can lead to unexpected behaviors. It helps to get a “heads up.”

13. And now you know… People with ASD are literal thinkers. They have a hard time with: • sarcasm (“Get over it!” or “Chill out!”) • idioms (“That’s as easy as pie.”) • expressions (“Let’s hang out.” “That’s sick!”) Check out this video to understand… http://www.wrongplanet.net/postt96041.html

14. And now you know… Sometimes people with ASD seem… • rude: shouting out or making comments about people • unaware of other peoples’ feelings • mean But… they don’t understand the rules for keeping thoughts in their head or how to think about what others are thinking or feeling.

15. And now you know… People with ASD have trouble with receptive communication… • they may not understand what’s said to them at first • they need time to process information • multiple directions are confusing and they want to just shut down. SO… Keep it simple, give them time to think, show them…it really helps!

16. And now you know… People with autism have expressive communication problems: • some people never learn to communicate verbally, and use pictures or other devices to communicate • some people repeat whatever you say. That is called, “echolalia.” • some people use big words and sound like adults talking. • some people are brutally honest and it comes across as rude.

17. And now you know… People with ASD have trouble with the rules for conversation: • don’t know how to start a conversation • interrupt because they don’t always read the cues around them • sometimes only talk about what’s interesting to them • repeat lines from movies or favorite shows That’s o.k…help them out! Invite them to join your group. You may learn something new and interesting!

18. And now you know… Some people with autism: • rock, or pace when they are anxious or not plugged into what’s happening • flap their hands when they are excited • Spin things These repetitive behaviors are just like what we do to calm ourselves or to get rid of nervous energy: • Tapping our feet, pencil, or fingers • Shaking a leg while listening We are coping with incoming information in our own way.

19. And now you know… People with ASD have trouble with… organization • It’s hard to know where to put papers • It’s easier to carry all the books and binders than to decide what’s important. • It’s hard to remember to turn in homework, even when it’s done. • It’s easier to not try when you don’t know how to start. SO… Write lists, give examples, set routines

20. And now you know… People with autism are fascinating people! We can be: patient, caring, friendly, and understanding with people who think differently than we do! AND… THAT’S WHAT LIFE IS ALL ABOUT!

21. And now you know… Check out ….Temple Grandin: movie books Temple Grandin is a world famous animal scientist, author and autism self-advocate. • Did not speak until 3 ½ years old • Parents told she’d never talk and should be institutionalized • Now she has a PhD, is a world renown speaker and author who happens to have autism! awards Her successes should encourage us all! From: http://www.templegrandin.com/

22. References http://www.cindysautisticsupport.com/awareness/asa_growing_teens.pdf http://www.autismsociety-nc.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=90&Itemid=321 Image: http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-illustration-1457667-confusion-1.php http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html