1. April is Autism Awareness Month
Light it up Blue

2. What is Autism?
Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders – autism spectrum disorders – caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by communication difficulties, social and behavioral challenges, as well as repetitive behaviors.

3. What does that mean?
People with autism handle information in their brain differently than most people.
Autism affects each person in different ways and can range from very mild to severe.

4. To help people with autism need…
At school…
Autism affects…
To help people with autism need…
Attention
Transitions
Language Skills
Peer social skills
Academic skills
Following directions
Inappropriate behaviors
Structure
Routine
Others being flexible
Accommodations/Modificati ons
Great peer support (LIKE the awesome Bridge Buddies at AMS!!)

5. High Functioning autism (HFA)
Better known as Aspergers. Aspergers is when kids may look normal and look and do things that everyone else does, but they’re still autistic.
HFA kids get teased a lot but what you don’t know is they still have autism. They can’t help if they act odd or annoying.
Many scientists and geniuses have Aspergers (Einstein, Bill Gates, Temple Grandin, etc.)
What a kid with Aspergers wants you to know.

6. How it feels to have autism

7. Remember, people with autism are

8. No matter what kids look like or how they act, be nice to them.
What a kid with Aspergers wants you to know.

9. Light It Up Blue
April 2 is Autism Awareness Day. To spread awareness we ask everyone to wear blue.
At AMS we are asking everyone to help Light It Up Blue tomorrow on March 31st . Please consider adding a little blue to your Throwback Thursday outfit to help spread awareness about Autism.