Understanding the World of Autism Karen Simmons, Founder, Autism Today Co-author “Chicken Soup For The Soul, Children With Special Needs” and parent of two special needs children pictured with Dr. Temple Grandin, and two of my children

What comes to YOUR mind when you hear or think of autism?

Autism 6000% increase! Risen from 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 150 over 20 years…fastest growing disability Risen from 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 150 over 20 years…fastest growing disability 90% of costs are in adult services 90% of costs are in adult services 10 years, the annual cost will be from $ billion 10 years, the annual cost will be from $ billion Cost of lifelong care can be reduced 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention Cost of lifelong care can be reduced 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention

My friend, Stephen Shore (Understanding Autism for Dummies) says… “If the current rate of increase in the ASD diagnosis continues, people with ASD may have to start developing intense intervention for people not on the autism spectrum!”

In the future, books may have to be written like the one below

What we will cover… Autism signs and current statistics Autism signs and current statistics Large number of “autism boomers” approaching adulthood needing supports Large number of “autism boomers” approaching adulthood needing supports Educational Initiatives to accommodate those with autism Educational Initiatives to accommodate those with autism Adult design planning considerations Adult design planning considerations

Autism Spectrum Signs & Facts Neurobiological disorder, 4-5 are boys Neurobiological disorder, 4-5 are boys Affected: Communication, senses, behavior and social skills Affected: Communication, senses, behavior and social skills Repetitive behaviors and symptoms can range from very mild to quite severe Repetitive behaviors and symptoms can range from very mild to quite severe No racial, ethnic, geographic or socio economic boundaries No racial, ethnic, geographic or socio economic boundaries

About our gold medal book “The Official Autism 101 Manual”

Literal, concrete thinkers…not abstract Unusual behavioral challenges Persistent repetitive behavior

Hyper or Hypo sensitivity to sound, light and touch Communication problem, verbal & non verbal Trouble reading facial expressions

Large population of teens means… Greater request & need for services Greater request & need for services Growing advocacy base Growing advocacy base More Therapists needed More Therapists needed More federal & state legislators needed More federal & state legislators needed

Educational Initiatives Proposed EPIAA, Expanding the Promise for Individuals with Autism Act would authorize $350 million for key ASD treatment and intervention programs Proposed EPIAA, Expanding the Promise for Individuals with Autism Act would authorize $350 million for key ASD treatment and intervention programs Flexibility needed around sensory issues Flexibility needed around sensory issues Enhance special interests Enhance special interests Create meaningful inclusion Create meaningful inclusion

Accommodate sensory issues in school Social stories, powerful tool Learning style sensitivity, especially visual

Bullying at school and online Develop Inter-dependant living systems Encourage “least restrictive” environment Parents want children to be understood, accepted, appreciated for who they are!

Life planning: Life planning: healthandwellnessrecord.com providecareforlife.com

Other Adult Design Considerations Systems for health, safety, counseling Systems for health, safety, counseling Employment education and support Employment education and support Extend services past school age Extend services past school age Realistic funding strategy for all and reduce wait lists Realistic funding strategy for all and reduce wait lists

What we’ve covered today… Autism signs and current statistics Autism signs and current statistics Large number of “autism boomers” approaching adulthood needing supports Large number of “autism boomers” approaching adulthood needing supports Educational Initiatives to accommodate those with autism Educational Initiatives to accommodate those with autism Adult design planning considerations Adult design planning considerations

Many “autism facets” find our child’s inner “gems”. Many “autism facets” find our child’s inner “gems”. It is THIS sense of discovery in finding that beautiful gem, that makes our roller- coaster ride worthwhile! It is THIS sense of discovery in finding that beautiful gem, that makes our roller- coaster ride worthwhile!

What I’m covering Showcase greatest gifts of inclusivity Showcase greatest gifts of inclusivity Highlight areas of future need in health & education Highlight areas of future need in health & education Provide long term solutions to encompass unique diversity Provide long term solutions to encompass unique diversity Large number of “autism boomers” approaching adulthood needing supports Large number of “autism boomers” approaching adulthood needing supports Educational Initiatives to accommodate those with autism Educational Initiatives to accommodate those with autism Adult design planning considerations Adult design planning considerations

AWESOME RELATIONSHIP ATTITUDE TIPS 1. Understand the label 2. Enhance empathy 3. Communicate for Community’s sake 4. Share your knowledge with others 5. Remember different learning styles 6. Social script can help understanding 7. Understand the “close-in” family members 8. Teamwork works 9. Exude empowerment 10. Its all about them.

The Official Autism 101 Manual receives Gold Medal!

Other Adult Design Considerations Systems for health, safety, counseling Systems for health, safety, counseling Employment education and support Employment education and support Extend services past school age Extend services past school age Realistic funding strategy for all and reduce wait lists Realistic funding strategy for all and reduce wait lists

Bullying at school and online Develop Inter-dependant living systems Encourage “least restrictive” environment Parents want children to be understood, accepted, appreciated for who they are!

Educational Initiatives Proposed EPIAA, Expanding the Promise for Individuals with Autism Act would authorize $350 million for key ASD treatment and intervention programs Proposed EPIAA, Expanding the Promise for Individuals with Autism Act would authorize $350 million for key ASD treatment and intervention programs Flexibility needed around sensory issues Flexibility needed around sensory issues Enhance special interests Enhance special interests Create meaningful inclusion Create meaningful inclusion

Large population of teens means… Greater request & need for services Greater request & need for services Growing advocacy base Growing advocacy base More Therapists needed More Therapists needed More federal & state legislators needed More federal & state legislators needed

Autism Spectrum Signs & Facts Neurobiological disorder, 4-5 are boys Neurobiological disorder, 4-5 are boys Affected: Communication, senses, behavior and social skills Affected: Communication, senses, behavior and social skills Repetitive behaviors and symptoms can range from very mild to quite severe Repetitive behaviors and symptoms can range from very mild to quite severe No racial, ethnic, geographic or socio economic boundaries No racial, ethnic, geographic or socio economic boundaries

What we will cover… Autism signs and current statistics Autism signs and current statistics Large number of “autism boomers” approaching adulthood needing supports Large number of “autism boomers” approaching adulthood needing supports Educational Initiatives to accommodate those with autism Educational Initiatives to accommodate those with autism Adult design planning considerations Adult design planning considerations