1. Autism Spectrum Disorder What is it?

2. Autism is…. It is a complex neurological disorder It is a complex neurological disorder It is a spectrum disorder, affecting individuals differently and to varying degrees. It is a spectrum disorder, affecting individuals differently and to varying degrees. Symptoms can be present in a variety of combinations. Symptoms can be present in a variety of combinations. Autism affects individuals in the areas of social interaction and communication. Autism affects individuals in the areas of social interaction and communication.

3. Symptoms may vary. symptoms differ from individual to individual. symptoms differ from individual to individual. the mildness and severity of the symptoms differ in one another. the mildness and severity of the symptoms differ in one another. may have a diverse range of behaviors and abilities. may have a diverse range of behaviors and abilities.

4. Social difficulties they often struggle with social interaction. they often struggle with social interaction. may have abnormal intense preoccupation with certain activities or areas of interest. may have abnormal intense preoccupation with certain activities or areas of interest. May struggle understanding others feelings. May struggle understanding others feelings. May be very interested in people but not know how to talk, play or relate to them. May be very interested in people but not know how to talk, play or relate to them.

5. Language difficulties Some have echolalia, repeating what is said to them. Some have echolalia, repeating what is said to them. People with ASD may not interrupt simple body language or gestures. People with ASD may not interrupt simple body language or gestures. They may stick with one topic of conversation too long. They may stick with one topic of conversation too long. They may struggle with a back and forth conversation. They may struggle with a back and forth conversation.

6. Developmental They may have delays in language, social, and cognitive skills. They may have delays in language, social, and cognitive skills. They may learn hard skills before they learn easy ones. They may learn hard skills before they learn easy ones. The child may be able to read long words but not understand the sound of the letters. The child may be able to read long words but not understand the sound of the letters. They may be very good at solving computer problems or putting puzzles together. They may be very good at solving computer problems or putting puzzles together. They may be inconsistent…capable one day and later struggling. They may be inconsistent…capable one day and later struggling.

7. I have feelings. A person with ASD wants to be understood and enjoy relationships with others. A person with ASD wants to be understood and enjoy relationships with others. Be positive and enjoy me as a friend! Be positive and enjoy me as a friend! http://www.frinkfest.com http://www.frinkfest.comhttp://www.frinkfest.com