1. By Brittany Murphy and Charlotte Rosenberg
Dealing with autism
By Brittany Murphy and Charlotte Rosenberg

2. Who has had an experience dealing with someone with autism?

3. What is autism?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, communication, and behaviors.
Most children show symptoms and are diagnosed around the age of two or three
Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning that there are those who show no symptoms, show a lot of symptoms, are brilliant (Asperger’s Syndrome), and those with an IQ of 70 or lower

4. Our experience with autism
Charlotte grew up with two best friends with Autism
Charlotte often works with and is in charge of children with Autism during the summer when she lifeguards for a ocean biology camp
Brittany’s mom is a behavioral analyst and works with children with Autism
Brittany has autistic family members

5. characteristics associated with autism

6. Characteristics associated with autism cont.
Behavior: repetitive movements, irritability, persistent repetition, aggression, hyperactivity, compulsive behavior, poor eye contact, screaming, crying
Speech: stuttering, abnormal tone of voice, speech impairment, or speech loss
Developmental: speech and learning delay
Other: lack of empathy, constantly walking on tip toe, or sensitivity to sound, high interest in a few subjects

7. The facts Autism now affects 1 in 68 children and 1 in 42 boys
Autism prevalence figures are growing
Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S (Grew about 119% from 2000 to 2011)
Autism costs a family $60,000 a year on average
Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism
There is no medical detection or cure for autism

8. How do you deal with a family member with autism?
DO have patience
DO NOT be embarrassed by their actions
DO get advice from experts and other sources
DO be a protective sibling or family member
DO NOT ignore them
DO explore their interests
DO NOT tease, yell, or get frustrated with them
DO help them learn social norms and how to behave in public

9. How do you deal with a friend with autism?
DO spend a lot of time with them
DO introduce them to your other friends
DO activities that interest them
DO NOT make them feel left out
DO NOT peer pressure them or make them do things that make them uncomfortable
DO know their strengths and weaknesses
DO be a protective friend
DO help them learn appropriate behaviors

10. How do you deal with a stranger with autism?
DO be kind and courteous
DO NOT act uncomfortable or awkward
DO realize that bringing someone out into the community with autism can be stressful
DO NOT stare or make hurtful comments
DO understand basic behaviors associated with autism
DO NOT get mad or reprimand a stranger with autism
DO realize it is okay to feel uncomfortable and/or leave the situation, but do so politely

11. What does our service learning group do?
Our service learning group is called Solving the Puzzle
We spread autism awareness through presentations, videos, and writing a short book
We volunteer at events geared towards Autism and Asperger's
We strive to make a difference in our Autism community
Contact either Brittany or Charlotte if you would like to help or volunteer at an event with us. We would love your help!

12. Video of a girl with Asperger's on the eLLEN SHOW