Autism Awareness & Acceptance

Kay Williams
ASD 5400
Summer 2023
• The United Nations unanimously declared April 2 as World Autism
Awareness Day.
• Our school has planned activities through the entire month of
April to help us understand autistic individuals and learn about
how we are different but also how we are the same.
• This week we will begin to work together with ASD students on
projects, crafts and participate in other fun activities together.
• Today we will learn about what autism means and other key facts
about autism.
 What is Autism?
• We are all different and our brains work differently. The brain is the body’s computer.
It controls how we learn, feel, and how we communicate.
• Sometimes the brain is wired in a way that it effects our senses.
• The wiring of our brains can impact how we perceive and read situations and our
interactions with others. This is known as autism.

T
 Autism Awareness Key Facts:
• Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disability.
• Autism is not a disease, and it is not contagious.
• Kids with autism have trouble making sense of things they see, smell, hear,
taste, touch, and experience. That can make it hard for them to talk, listen,
understand, play, and learn. An autistic brain uses information differently. For
example, someone might find noises or smells painful, when they would not
bother most people.
• This means that a person with autism might do things that seem strange, like
rocking, making noises or chewing on things. An autistic person cannot help
doing these things. These behaviors are important to help autistic people to
make sense of information, or to keep themselves calm.
 Autism Awareness Key Facts:

• Kids are affected by autism in different ways. They might seem only a little
different from you, or they might seem very different. For example, some of
them cannot speak at all. They may use other ways to talk.

• Kids with autism often have trouble understanding others’ faces. They might
not be able to tell when you are happy or mad. This can make it hard for them
to know how to talk to you or play with you, but it doesn’t mean they don’t
want to be friends.
• Autistic people may sometimes get very upset or angry because they are
confused, scared or overwhelmed.
 Autism Acceptance
• You can be a friend to someone with autism. They might be different from you in some ways,
but they also are like you in a lot of ways.
• Next time you are playing in a group, ask the kids who seem to play by themselves a lot
to play with you. Maybe they want to but don’t know how to start.
• Be understanding when kids act in a way that is different, providing they are not hurting
anyone. They might not know why their behavior is not OK or maybe what they are
doing is unusual.
• Take some time to get to know them. They probably know a lot about their favorite things,
like trains or video games, and they’ll be happy to tell you all about it. You could learn a lot!

• If you want to help more, ask your teachers whether anyone needs a
buddy for lunch or recess. Just by sitting and talking with them, you
can be a friend.
 How To Be A Friend To Someone With Autism
• Do not be afraid to talk to someone with autism.
• Talk to them like you would any other classmate.
• Find out what games they like and enjoy playing.
• Remember to be patient and wait for them to answer
you. It might take them more time to respond to a
question.
• If you notice your friend stressing out, check to see if they are ok and tell
their teacher.
• If you see your autistic friend doing something they shouldn’t do, don’t get
mad. Explain to them to do something else instead.
• Always treat them with kindness and respect.
 Inclusion Activities and Projects for
Fourth, Fifth and ASD Students
• Outdoors: Scavenger Hunt, Kickball, Bubbles, Shooting Hoops and Bucket Ball Bounce
• Indoors in the Centrum: Parachute Play and Music and Movement
• In Mrs. Williams ASD Classroom: Cooking Activities
• In Mrs. Williams ASD Classroom: Craft Activities make and take friendship bracelets &
Jewelry boxes
• In Mrs. Williams ASD Classroom: Art Projects Autism Posters and All About Me Posters
• Indoors in the Centrum: Stem Activities Build a House with marshmallows and toothpicks and
build a bridge with Legos
(Your classroom teacher has been provided a schedule with days and times for all activities. She
will let you know each day the activities your class will be doing).
 Bathroom and Drink Break
Short 4 Minute Video Amazing Things Happen Wrap Up
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbwRrVw-CRo
Questions and Answers