How many of these describe you sometimes? Sometimes I feel a bit overwhelmed and need time to myself to myself. If I’m really interested in something I can’t stop talking about it to my friends and family. I sometimes feel uncomfortable in new or unfamiliar situations. I prefer when I know what’s happening next in my daily routine. The way other people react seems odd or confusing. I dislike places with lots of noise or harsh lighting. I find it difficult to tell sometimes what people’s tone of voice is meant to mean- for example if they’re being sarcastic. Sometimes I find it hard to express how I’m feeling.

Autism Awareness Week 18- 22nd March The questions on the last slide described a number of feelings and behaviours many people with autism may experience. If you can relate to them it does not necessarily mean you have autism. It does mean that we are all different in how we experience the world around us. AUTISM AWARENESS WEEK aims to help us all understand the experience of people who are on the autistic spectrum.

Autism is different in every individual.

What is AUTISM? Autism is a spectrum condition. It affects every individual differently. Autism is sometimes referred to as ASD or being ‘on the spectrum’. The term Aspergers is also sometimes used but is no longer felt to be appropriate and is often no longer used in diagnosis. Autism is not an illness or disease and cannot be 'cured'. Often people feel being autistic is a fundamental aspect of their identity and important to their identity, talents and strengths. There are around 700,000 people on the autism spectrum in the UK – that's more than 1 in 1001. Autism is defined as a social communication disorder. Autism can affect some people’s ability to read other people’s body language or facial expressions. Autism is diagnosed through observing patterns of behaviour or ways of experiencing the world as well as looking at people’s development through childhood. About 90% of people with autism have sensory processing issues- they may be over sensitive or under sensitive to touch, sound, tastes, lighting or smell. One recent study suggested that people with autism tend to have far more activity in the part of the brain called the amygdala when looking at other people's faces. The over-stimulation of this part of the brain that deals with new information may explain why people with autism often have difficulty maintaining eye-contact.

Myths and Stereotypes About Autism People with autism are shy and cannot make eye contact. No- they are just people- some of who are sociable and outgoing, some of whom are not. Some people may find it hard to make eye contact and listen to you at the same time as they are trying to focus on what you’re saying. A recent study suggests people with autism have more activity in the part of the brain that deals with new information when looking at other people's faces. The over-stimulation of this part of the brain why some people with autism often have difficulty maintaining eye-contact. People with autism are all geniuses. Many highly intelligent and successful people are autistic-but -just like the rest of the population- many are average and some have learning difficulties. Autism is a phase and you will grow out of it. Autism is a life long condition like dyslexia or diabetes. People with autism are disabled and need help. Autism is classed a disability and people may require some adjustments or support but there is a huge range of talent and ability in people on the spectrum. People with ASD are capable of the same success as any one else.

What is autism? Ladyhawke: singer Clay Marzo: professional surfer Temple Grandin: Professor of Animal Science & autism activist Guy Martin: TV presenter and motorbike expert Chris Packham: TV presenter & environmentalist Daryll Hannah: Hollywood film actor

Autism Awareness Week 18- 22nd March My 5 Autism- pupils on the spectrum at Jordanhill will share their top 5 suggestions for being more autism friendly. A spectrum quiz designed by Ann Hegarty of ‘I’m a Celebrity and The Chase- and diagnosed autistic- will be played in tutor time A movie about the life of Temple Grandin to be screened at lunchtimes- Tuesday 19th and Wednesday 20th in the library Autism Awareness library display- a great selection of fiction, autobiography and information. Selfies to show your support for Autism Awareness week- show you see people not labels. A map of autism friendly venues and events will be shared with the community. Thursday 21st March 6.30pm a talk from autism consultant Anne Love- open to all pupils and parents and staff who want to learn how to get the best out of your education.