What is Autism?
Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person perceives the world and interacts with others. It’s called a "spectrum" because it includes a wide range of characteristics and abilities, which can vary significantly from one individual to another.
Social Communication Challenges
Difficulty with understanding and using verbal and nonverbal communication (e.g., tone of voice, facial expressions).
Trouble forming and maintaining relationships.
Challenges with understanding social cues and norms.
Repetitive Behaviors and Restricted Interests
Repetitive movements or speech (e.g., hand-flapping, echolalia).
Strong interest in specific topics or routines.
Resistance to change or unexpected events.
Sensory Sensitivities
Over- or under-sensitivity to sounds, lights, textures, smells, or tastes.
Some individuals may find certain environments overwhelming or distressing.
Cognitive and Learning Differences
Autism is not a learning disability, but some autistic individuals may also have intellectual disabilities or learning differences.
Others may have average or above-average intelligence and excel in certain areas, such as math, music, or art.
How Does Autism Affect School Aged Children?
Some autistic children may excel academically, especially in areas of strong interest.
Others might struggle with things like attention, organization, or processing information, which can impact learning.
Difficulty understanding abstract concepts or figurative language (like idioms or sarcasm) is common.
Children may:
Have limited verbal skills or not speak at all (some use communication devices or sign language).
Speak fluently but struggle with social use of language (e.g., taking turns in conversation).
Misunderstand tone, body language, or facial expressions.
Making and keeping friends can be hard due to:
Trouble understanding social rules (like personal space or turn-taking).
Preference for playing alone or engaging in solitary activities.
with group work or unstructured times like lunch or recess.
Children may:
Engage in repetitive movements (hand-flapping, rocking).
Show strong attachment to routines and may get upset by changes (e.g., a substitute teacher or a fire drill).
Have deep interests in specific topics and prefer to talk about them often.
Some children are:
Over-sensitive to lights, sounds, smells, or textures (e.g., loud bells or scratchy clothing).
Under-sensitive and seek out sensory input (e.g., spinning, jumping, or touching things frequently).
What Resources are available to children with Autism who attend school?
Many school-aged autistic children benefit from:
Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 Plans.
Accommodations like extra time on tests, sensory breaks, or a quiet space.
Speech therapy, occupational therapy, social skills and behavioral support.
Special education services
Organizations that support children with Autism and their families
1. Autism Speaks
Website: autismspeaks.org
Provides toolkits, educational resources, and a national autism response team.
Focuses on advocacy, research, and awareness.
2. Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)
Website: autisticadvocacy.org
Run by and for autistic people.
Promotes inclusion, civil rights, and self-advocacy.
Offers great educational materials for families and schools.
3. The Autism Society
Website: autism-society.org
Offers community-based support, education, and local affiliate chapters.
Has a national helpline: 800-3-AUTISM (800-328-8476).
4. Organization for Autism Research (OAR)
Website: researchautism.org
Offers evidence-based resources, including “A Guide for Educators” and “Life Journey Through Autism” series.
Great for families navigating school, adolescence, and adulthood.
5. Easterseals
Website: easterseals.com
Provides services for children with disabilities, including autism.
Offers early intervention, therapy, and family support programs.
Literature/Websites
1. “The Reason I Jump” by Naoki Higashida
Written by a 13-year-old non-verbal autistic boy.
Offers a powerful look into the autistic mind and emotions.
Great for parents seeking to understand their child’s inner world.
2. “Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism” by Dr. Barry M. Prizant
Focuses on understanding behaviors as communication.
Encourages a respectful and compassionate approach to autism.
3. “Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew” by Ellen Notbohm
Simple, clear advice for parents, caregivers, and teachers.
Highly accessible and full of practical insights.
4. “Parenting a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder” by Albert J. Cotugno
Covers diagnosis, behavioral strategies, and family dynamics.
Includes structured advice for daily challenges.
5. “More Than Words” by Fern Sussman
Created by the Hanen Centre, it's a guide to building communication skills in young autistic children.
Especially helpful for non-verbal or minimally verbal kids.
💬 Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)
Offers information written by autistic people.
Great for learning respectful and inclusive perspectives.
Provides evidence-based advice on behavior, anxiety, education, and parenting children with autism and other conditions.
👨👩👧 The Autism Community in Action (TACA)
Offers articles, parent mentoring, and webinars.
Especially helpful for navigating everyday life after a diagnosis.
