Autism Spectrum Disorder A.S.D By: Matthew Parsons

A.S.D Autism Spectrum Disorder Let’s analyze each of these words. Autism-a neurological condition, present from early childhood or adulthood, characterized by difficulty in communicating and forming relationships with other people and in using language and abstract concepts. Spectrum- I like to think of it as a rainbow so many colors just like a spectrum. Disorder- disruption of systematic functioning

What Are You Doing?

A.U.T.I.S.M Ask Questions Understand Talk about it Include Show your Support Make a Difference

My Story When I was born I was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and that limits motor skills. My parents were told this was why I could not talk until I was 4 years old. I also had trouble making friends in elementary school because I acted “Weird” now I didn’t know at the time but that was because of my Autism Spectrum Disorder called Asperger's. I experienced bullying in the fifth grade but that eventually came to a stop and I moved on to middle school. In sixth grade I still had trouble making friends but I made three good friends that understand that I am different. But in seventh grade that all changed. I experienced bullying, mostly by one boy, but this case was different because the school staff did not put a stop to it and I thought that the only way to get their attention was to say that I was going to hurt myself. Of course, I got their attention THEN and was sent to a psychologist who diagnosed me with Asperger's Syndrome. So that year ended and I went to eighth grade. The bully from 7th grade was told to stay away from me. Of course he didn’t! He told the administration he just wanted to be my friend….. he was lying! I know this because he had said this same thing the year before and continued bullying me.

My Story (continued) So, one day he started tapping me on the shoulder over and over. I tried ignoring him but he just kept doing it until the class ended. I told my parents and the next day me and my parents went to the office to talk to the Assistant Principal. She seemed to understand so my parents left. The AP then brought my tormentor down. He again said that he was just trying to be my friend and after he left she told me that he was being genuine. I knew that wasn’t true and it felt like she believed him and discounted everything I said and felt. I felt totally unsafe at school. That was the last straw for me so I stormed out and called my mom and asked her to pick me up. When my mother picked me up we went to see my psychologist and she was upset with the school but wanted me to try one more time. I went back but was so anxious I could not handle it. After that I was put on Hospital Homebound and my parents scheduled a district meeting with downtown. In the meeting I had written a letter explaining my feelings…. And I was told after the letter was read there was not a sound. I’m hoping my letter really helped them understand the affect this had on me and that it will never happen to another student. Now I am focusing on controlling the emotions and anxiety that go with Asperger's and its going great. 

Advantages to Autism Detail oriented Super intense emotions Creative Ideas Truthfulness A high degree of focus on a single subject Resistance to group-thinking Experts on a certain subject Exceptional at remembering things people have forgotten Observation of details other do not see

Disadvantages/Obstacles Impairment in Communication Impairment in Social Interaction High Anxiety Levels Attention Difficulty Unusual Behaviors or Interests Have trouble reading social queues Accepting mistakes Making friends Coping with sudden noises.

Factors to Success in Life The Diagnosis occurs early which allows for early treatment The person and family accept the diognosis The Person has a mentor who understands what their condition is The person acquires knowledge about autism through reading autobiogrophies or reliable internet sources A Person who is there to provide emotinal and practical advice and can help you through difficult times.

Symptoms of Autism ◾Seem to develop normally until 18–24 months, then either stop gaining new skills or lose some they’ve already developed ◾Not respond to their name by 12 months ◾Not point at objects to show interest (point at an airplane flying over) by 14 months ◾Not play “pretend” games (such as pretend to “feed” a doll) by 18 months ◾Avoid eye contact and want to be alone ◾Have trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings ◾Have delayed speech and language skills ◾Repeat words or phrases over and over (echolalia) ◾Give unrelated answers to questions ◾Get upset by minor changes ◾Have obsessive interests ◾Flap their hands, rock their body, or spin in circles ◾Have unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, feel

Treatment Techniques Keep in mind that every person on the spectrum is different. That is why there are so many treatment options. Educational placement appropriate to the child’s intellectual ability. Social Skills Groups Supportive services to the family Consultation regarding medication for children with co existing conditions such as anxiety and depression. Behavior and Communication Therapy. EARLY INTERVENTION

Ways YOU Can Help A Person With an A.S.D Be kind and understanding when they don’t understand something. Try to reach out to them. Make them feel included Try to relate to them socially. Learn about the condition by reading books watching documentaries so you know what they can tolerate If they are acting strange don’t draw attention to it (unless it is dangerous for them or others) Introduce them to other friends. Don’t treat them differently. Treat them the way you would want to be treated. They may not realize how you feel so you may need to tell them how you feel.

Common Myths About Autism It affects only children. Autism is something you can turn on and off. A person with autism can never learn new skills. You can tell someone has autism by looking at them. People with autism no longer require support once they leave school. All people with autism are geniuses or have superpowers. They can never make friends.

Facts About Autism 1 in 68 Children are diagnosed every year. Boys are 5 times more likely to be diagnosed. There is no cure for Autism 46 percent of children identified with autism spectrum disorder have average to above average intellectual ability. People with autism who find social interaction difficult may use their special interests to start conversations & feel relaxed. A person with autism is a person first. April is Autism Awareness Month

Resources Autism Connections of Southwest FL Osprey Village Florida Resources - Autism Speaks Autism Florida Autism Resource Guide - AutismSpeaks.org‎ CDC.gov/Autism ACE (Autism Committee for ESE) CARD (Center for Autism and Related Disabilities) Autism Society of Florida The Autism Autoimmunity Project (TAAP) Creating a Future for Adults With Autism American Autism Association

Email Me Questions! MatthewParsons623@Gmail.com

What I Want As A Person With an A.S.D What I want as a person with A.S.D is all of you to leave here today with an acceptance of Autism and an Understanding of autism so you can be a good friend to children and adults with autism.