National Autism Awareness
April is National Autism Awareness Month
Autism Awareness
One in 68 children are diagnosed with autism so the chances are we've met some children who fall on the autism spectrum. But what is autism?
Autism is a mental condition that is characterized by difficulties with forming relationships with others. Autism varies from person to person and can include difficulties with language, abstract thought, and include repetitive behaviors.
People with autism often have difficulties expressing themselves. Here is a video of Carly demonstrating this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmDGvquzn2k&feature=youtu.be
Many people with autism also have sensory overload or sensory processing difficulties. They don't perceive the world the same way that we do and it can be very overwhelming for them.
Here's a video showing what it can be like for somebody with autism to walk down the street: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plPNhooUUuc&feature=youtu.be
Let's Meet Jack
I'd like to share the video below about Jack. He's an eight year old boy who has autism and is high functioning (meaning he is able to communicate and express himself well). Jack's video got me thinking about how I, as a teacher, need to make sure that I'm really listening to my students and helping them be as successful as they can at school.
Dr. Temple Grandin
Below is a TED video of Temple talking about autism. She is a very powerful speaker and gives some unique thoughts and views on autism.
Autism Awareness Activities
On April 30th there is a Color Run at SUNY Plattsburgh's Memorial Field to help raise money for autism awareness. For more information, you can click here: http://plattsburgh.universitytickets.com/user_pages/event.asp?id=689&cid=32
On May 7th, there is an Autism Awareness Walk at the Clinton County Fairgrounds. For more information, click here: http://aaneny.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1154834
I also just saw a flag as I was driving into Gouverneur today announcing an event at the end of April. It was a very quick glance though so I'm not quite sure on the details. I believe it was an event at the Bowling Alley on the 29th. I'll look again this afternoon and edit the flyer as I confirm.
More Resources on Autism
What is autism? https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism
Current events and topics on autism can be found at https://www.autismspeaks.org/
Have you wondered why the puzzle ribbon? http://www.autism-society.org/about-the-autism-society/history/autism-awareness-ribbon/
Let's light it up blue: https://www.autismspeaks.org/liub
More videos for sensory overload: http://mashable.com/2014/04/23/autism-simulations/#izmyz5B8juqN
For some more information about Dr. Temple Grandin: http://www.templegrandin.com/