1. Piece By Piece By: Carlie Chaney, Savannah Green & Alice Walls

2. One man is deaf; another is blind No one alike in the race of mankind Not one should we judge, whether they are wrong or they’re right What’s going on may not be what we thought at first sight Look here at this boy, what a sweet little grin. He’ll push and he’ll pull and will wear someone thin Then an angel shines through with a hug and a smile Knowing Eric this way makes it all worth the while He’s loving and sweet, kind, funny and smart. Look past autism, and see a kid full of heart Written by: Lori Schiavone, Our Guardian Angel

3. Autism is a disorder that causes impaired thinking, social functioning, and feeling. It appears during the first three years of life. It impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills.

4. Autism Cont. People with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. People with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. In some cases, aggressive and/or self-injurious behaviors might be present. In some cases, aggressive and/or self-injurious behaviors might be present. There are no medical tests that can be used to diagnose autism. There are no medical tests that can be used to diagnose autism.

5. Autism Statistics 1 in 88 children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than girls. Research shows that 50% of children diagnosed with autism will remain mute throughout their lives. Approximately 10% of autistic individuals have savant abilities (special abilities in some areas).

6. Symptoms of Children With Autism Children with Autism: Avoid eye contact Act as if deaf They develop language, then abruptly stop talking. Fail to use spoken language, without using gestures When speaking, use visual language Communications

7. Symptoms Cont. Act as if unaware of the coming and going of othersAct as if unaware of the coming and going of others Fail to seek comfortFail to seek comfort Fail to develop relationships with peersFail to develop relationships with peers Have problems seeing things from another person ’ s perspective, leaving the child unable to predict or understand other people ’ s actions Have problems seeing things from another person ’ s perspective, leaving the child unable to predict or understand other people ’ s actions Social Relationships

8. Symptoms Cont. Remain fixated on a single item or activity Remain fixated on a single item or activity Show no sensitivity to burns or bruises Show no sensitivity to burns or bruises Is intensely preoccupied with a single subject, activity or gesture Is intensely preoccupied with a single subject, activity or gesture Show distress over change Show distress over change Insist on routine or rituals with no purpose Insist on routine or rituals with no purpose Lack fear Lack fear Exploration of Environment

9. What Causes Autism? A specific cause is not known, but current research links autism to biological and neurological differences in the brain. By examining the inheritance of the disorder, researchers have shown that autism does run in families, but not in a clear-cut way. Siblings of people with autism have a 3 to 8 percent chance of being diagnosed with the same disorder.

10. Teaching Tips for Children with Autism Use visuals Avoid long strings of verbal instruction Use child’s fixations to motivate school work Protect child from sounds that hurt his/her ears Teach with tactile learning materials (e.g., sandpaper alphabet) Use printed words and pictures on a flashcard

11. Parenting Seek assistance of other parents Take it one day at a time Get involved with a support group Seek information Maintain a positive outlook Keep daily routines as normal as possible

12. Respect peoples’ differences. Never make fun of a person for being different or doing different things. They could have a condition you aren’t aware of!

13. Sources: http://www.google.com/search?num=10&hl= en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1 592&bih=832&q=autism+awareness+banner &oq=autism+awareness+banner&gs_l=img.http://www.google.com/search?num=10&hl= en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1 592&bih=832&q=autism+awareness+banner &oq=autism+awareness+banner&gs_l=img http://autism.emedtv.com/autism/autsim- information.htmlhttp://autism.emedtv.com/autism/autsim- information.html http://www.act-today.org/autism-facts/ http://autismsupportnetwork.com/resources