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April is Autism Awareness Month AND Autism Acceptance Month, with April 2nd being World Autism Awareness Day!
"Awareness is knowing someone has autism. Acceptance is when you include a person with autism in your activities, help them to develop in that community and get that sense of connection to other people."
Christopher Banks, president and CEO of The Autism Society
Monday
Monday
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
(Video) Ask an Autistic - What is Autism?
(Children's Story) My Brother Otto An Autism Acceptance Book
(Children's Story) My Brother Charlie
(Children's Story) Do You Want to Play? A children's book on autistic play written by Autistics. (Click here for an explanation of the story)
Autism Society ASD Info Flyer
Employer Toolkit - A toolkit to support autistic young people into their first experiences of employment, further education or training
Tuesday
Tuesday
What is Neurodiversity?
The term neurodiversity describes differences in the way people’s brains work. There is a wide range of ways that people perceive and respond to the world, with varying strengths and weaknesses. These differences are to be embraced and encouraged.
(Online reading) Child Mind Institute
(Children's Video) Neurodiversity for Children pt. 1
(Children's Video) Neurodiversity for Children pt. 2
Proud to be Autistic - Autism Explained by an Autistic Person
Wednesday
Wednesday
What's Your Passion?
(Pixar short) Loop (Fun Fact: The main character is voiced by Madison Bandy, a camper who used to attend OPRYD Inclusion Summer Camps and attended Oakland Tech!)
(Breakdown Video) A Doctor's perspective of Loop. Use this to get a better understanding of what's going on in the Pixar Short, Loop.
(Online Reading) The story behind Loop
Animal Scientist:Temple Grandin
Environmental Activist: Greta Thunberg
Nascar Driver: Armani Williams
Thursday
Thursday
Autistic Perspectives:
(Online Article) Seven Cool Aspects of Autistic Culture
(Online Article) Reasons to Wear #RedInstead
(Children's Video) Part 1: Miami Children's Museum - Autism Acceptance Month
(Children's Video) Part 2: Miami Children's Museum - The Magical Yet
Why Gold? Watch Beyond Autism Awareness...To Acceptance and Appreciation
“Be Curious, Not Judgemental” - Walt Whitman
Friday
Friday
Sensory Sensitivities & Fidgets
Reflection Activity: How Autism Friendly Are You?
Activity: Sense the World Around You
(Online reading) Sensory Differences - A Guide for All Audiences
(Video) Sensory Overload Simulation video, Can You Make it to the End?
(Video) Proud to be Autistic - Autism Explained by an Autistic Person
(Children's Story) When Things Get Too Loud
(Online resource) Creating Sensory-Friendly Environments
(Visual Support) Fidgets are Tools
Where Do We Go From Here?
Resources to continue Autism and Inclusion Advocacy
Click here to access the Power in Friendship Toolkit
Designed for families of children with disabilities AND those with typically developing children, the Power in Friendship toolkit provides ALL parents the resources they need to help their child build inclusive friendships. Find out everything you need to know to bring inclusion to your home, including:
What is inclusion and why it's important
How to help your child make inclusive friendships
Games ALL kids can play
How to host an inclusive birthday party
and More!"
Credits: Brought to you by the National Inclusion Project
Click here to read Social Skills For Everyone!
An illustration about Making Friends and Getting along
Creating Accessible & Autism Friendly Environments
Creating Accessible & Autism Friendly Environments
Sensory Considerations
Sensory Considerations
Lighting: Use lighting that can be adjusted according to the preferences of the individual. Avoid fluorescent lighting and opt for more natural light when possible.
Noise Reduction: Use soundproof materials to decrease the impact of loud, sudden noises. Provide quiet spaces in public places.
Sensory-Friendly Design: Use muted, calming colors and keep areas uncluttered. Any textures used should be non-irritating.
Clear Signage and Visual Supports
Clear Signage and Visual Supports
To assist with understanding directions and finding one's way, use simple signs containing visual symbols and pictures.
To help people with autism understand routines and anticipate what is coming next, have schedules and timetables displayed in public places such as libraries, schools, and community meeting places.
Accessibility Features
Accessibility Features
Physical Accessibility: Buildings need to have accessible entrances, ramps, and elevators to meet the needs of people with autism that have mobility issues. Pathways need to stay clear as well.
Restrooms: Restrooms that are accessible and designed to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities are required. Clear signage and enough space for assistance should be provided.
Seating Areas: Seating options that are comfortable and sensory-friendly should be provided along with areas that make wait times more manageable.
Sensory-Friendly Facilities
Sensory-Friendly Facilities
Quiet Spaces: Areas that are specifically designed for people who need a break from sensory stimulation should be provided.
Calming Outdoor Spaces: Sensory gardens or outdoor areas that contain natural elements such as plants, paths, and quiet corners offer a spot for relaxation and an opportunity to quietly explore.
Staff Training & Support
Staff Training & Support
Education about autism should be provided to staff members of public places such as museums, libraries, and community recreation areas. Training should be given about how to interact with people with autism in a supportive way.
Training should also be given on accommodating sensory challenges, understanding communication issues, and the importance of patience.
Collaborations with autism Organizations
Collaborations with autism Organizations
Communities should partner with local autism advocacy groups to gain further insight into accommodating the unique needs of people with autism and creating accessible spaces.
Kids Included Together (KIT) booklet:
Supporting Individuals with Autism and Social Communication Disorders
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