1. AUTISM and Communication

2. What is Autism or ASD? Discuss the following questions as a class
What do you know about Autism…
What is it?
Who does it affect?
How do you get it?
What things affect a student with ASD?

3. What is Autism or ASD? What is it? Who does it affect?
Neurological disorder
Affects person’s brain and the way their body works
The brain uses “energy” differently
Communication or verbalizing oneself is difficult
No two people will have the same symptoms/characteristics
It does NOT affect individuals of specific race, religion, economic status or where you live
It is more common in boys than girls

4. What is Autism or ASD? How do you get it?
What things affect a student with ASD?
It is NOT a disease or contagious
Unknown but scientist are still researching
A study from Autism Speaks MSSNG, March 6, 2017: identifies omitted letters in MSSNG (pronounced "missing") genomic database which identified 61 genetic variations affecting autism risk.
Communication difficulties
Making friends
Following directions
Difficulties understanding what is going on around them (setting)
Loud noises, smells, lights, crowds, etc.
Sensory example: Wearing a pair of gloves or holding a pencil may be hard because of the way it feels on their skin.

5. Living with Autism - Ky's Story
As you watch the video, try and put yourself in the student’s “shoes”. Try and relate to the student’s thoughts and feelings.

6. Living with Autism - Ky's Story
Three main challenges a person with ASD has are…
Communication
Social Interactions
Behavior
Think of your own social interactions, social fears and worries. How do you feel when thinking of these? How do you think Ky or other students with ASD feel when they are put into social situations/interactions?

7. We are all unique in our own way
We are all unique in our own way! Let’s discuss some things unique to ASD…
Routines – a student may sit at the same spot everyday for lunch or walk the same route to class each day
Schedule changes may be difficult as it is a disruption in their “routine”
Limited eye contact with individual they are talking with
Concrete/literal thinkers and have a hard time understanding sarcasm and jokes
Do NOT realize or know how to protect themselves when they are being bullied or teased
Misunderstand rules or directions give to them
Unaware of others feelings
Overwhelmed/sensory processing difficulties by noises, crowded hallways, fluorescent lights, touch
Unable to interpret facial expressions or make connections with others

8. How can we communicate with our ASD peers?
When asked a question allow processing time or extra time for the ASD student to think about what was asked and then develop an answer.
Use “concrete” or direct words/directions:
“stand still” instead of “don’t move”
“use quite words” instead of “stop yelling”
Try not to use sarcasm
“take a chill pill”
“cool your jets”
“hold your horses”
Reword a question by using few and simple words
Get to know their likes and dislikes, strengths and weakness to strike up a conversation

9. difficulties asd student may have communicating
Staying on topic of the discussion.
Starting a conversation
Saying something that sounds rude. The student may be being honest but is unable to phrase it in a nice way.
Turn taking in conversations
Beginning and endings of conversations: enter or end conversation inappropriately

10. How can I be a friend to my ASD peers?
Class discussion…

11. How can I be a friend to my ASD peers? Examples…
Join your friend in activities that interest him or her
Talk to them like you would to any other friend: age-appropriate manner
Be patient
Be understanding and respect your friend’s differences
Give your friend extra time to answer you
Stand up for your friend
Use their strengths, talents and interests to help with communication, school work and other activities
Invite your friend to join you at lunch, group activities, and social outings

12. Activity Students will be given a puzzle piece
Write one word or one phrase that best describes one of the following…
Being a good friend
Positive ways to communicate
Decorate your puzzle piece
Turn your puzzle piece into your teacher
Teachers please place the puzzle pieces into Mrs. St. Onge’s mailbox

13. Please wear BLUE to show your support!
AMS will be LIGHTING it up BLUE in honor of AUTISM AWARENESS ON Thursday,
May 3rd, 2018.
Please wear BLUE to show your support!