Autism Spectrum Disorders

Let’s Talk Think about something you are really good at – possibly a “special gift”. Is there a time when you helped someone else to do what you are good at – “sharing your gift with others”

Now think about something that is really hard for you to do

It’s important to know that… We all have special gifts and we all have special struggles There are kids who struggle to: –Learn how to play in ways that most kids play –Learn how to have conversations with friends

Having these struggles is called having Autism Spectrum Differences or Autism

A Spectrum Disorder Autism is a spectrum disorder which means some people with autism can be very different or just a little different in how they struggle with play, conversation, learning, etc. No two individuals with autism look or act the same.

Some facts about autism: Autism is a lifelong neuro-developmental disability ( a different way of processing information in the brain) Autism is a developmental disability that affects a child’s communication, social interaction skills, and patterns of behavior. Variance in characteristics and levels of functioning.

A person with autism may experience difficulties… explaining their own behavior & emotional state predicting events & reactions of others to their behavior predicting & reacting to the behavior of others understanding the intentions & perspectives of others understanding things that are not black & white understanding proximity “rules”

Facts about autism continued: Can be very different or just a little different in how they learn, play and interact with peers Cannot give other autism, like spreading a cold Often have a nervous system that works differently…this makes their senses work differently Some individuals have something called AS or Asperger Syndrome – it is similar to Autism

Kids with autism have special gifts too-everybody does!!! Sometimes the gifts are easy to see, sometimes the gifts will only be discovered if you make a special effort.

Learning More about our Classmate Book: This is Autism Special gifts and struggles Questions?

You Now Know Some Things That Most Grownups Don’t Know!!! Many of the special struggles and special gifts that can be found in people with autism Kids who find it easy to play and have friendly conversations can share their special gifts with people with Autism How to be a friend to a classmate with Autism

10 Tips for Being a Friend to a Classmate with Autism Take time to say “hi” whenever you see them. Even if you are in a hurry and pass them in the hall, just say “hi”. Say something to them when they do good things. You can cheer, give high 5’s, or just tell them “great work”. They like to be complimented too. Treat them like anyone else, and talk to them like you would talk to another one of your friends. Don’t be too formal and don’t talk to them like they are a little kid.

Be considerate of the child with autism’s feelings. They don’t always understand teasing. If other kids tease them, pull the other kid aside and tell him/her to stop. Explain to other kids that weird behavior isn’t the child’s fault; it’s may just be part of having autism. Try not to get mad at them for something they do that bothers you, or something they don’t do that they should. Tell them what they could do that would work better.

Encourage them to try new things because sometimes they’re afraid to try new stuff. Don’t be afraid to ask them to do something. They are neat kids and can do a lot of things. Find something to like about the student with autism. Often these kids have special interests or talents that they are willing to share with you or are really good at. It’s OK to get frustrated with them sometimes, or to want to play alone or with somebody else sometimes. We need to do that with our other friends, too.

Make a plan Share one thing you could do to be a friend to a classmate with Autism.