What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
This word describes a brain that works a little differently from other brains.
Autism Spectrum Disorder or Autism for short.
Autism is a term that describes variety of developmental differences in social interaction, communication, and behavior.
Many people with autism are really good at this when they're interested in something.
Focusing deeply
This can happen when the brain gets too much information at once
Feeling overwhelmed
How do I tell people I have autism?
No wrong answers! Some people choose to say "I'm autistic" OR "I have autism"
True or false: Autistic brains work harder and longer on things they care about.
True! Autistic brains often work harder and differently. This is because autistic brains take in information differently.
True or False: Autism is something you catch, like a cold.
False! You're born with it.
This strength helps people notice details others might miss
Attention to detail
Loud noises, bright lights, or strong smells can feel extra intense because of this.
Sensory sensitivity
Why wasn't I diagnosed earlier?
Autism is hard to notice and is often misunderstood.
True or False: People with autism have super problem-solving abilities!
True! Scientists found that people with autism can be up to 40% faster at problem-solving. This is because the autistic brain is really good at recognizing patterns and noticing details
True or false: Autism affects how people think, feel, communicate and experience the world.
True!
True or false: Autistic brains can be creative, smart, and imaginative.
True!
True or false: If something is hard for someone with autism, it means they aren't trying
False! Their brain may just need support
True or false: Parents always know right away if their child is autistic.
False! Sometimes it becomes more clear over time.
This famous scientist and animal expert is autistic and says autism helps her think in pictures
Temple Grandin - She says her austic brain helped her invent new ideas and understand animals better!
Autism is a _____. That means autism looks different in every person.
Some people with autism are _____ , or say what they really think
Very honest or direct
People with autism often have challenges with _____, or dealing with sudden changes.
Flexibility
True or false: Autism is genetic
True...sort of! Scientists think autism comes from a mix of things: genes, how the brain grows, and the environment.
True or false: Being autistic is only bad
False! It has challenges AND strengths
True or false: All autistic people are the same.
False! Autism is a "spectrum" where everyone's different, like a box of unique crayons.
This strength helps people with autism care deeply about fairness and kindness
Strong sense of empathy and justice
This challenge can make it hard to tell when someone wants to keep talking or needs a break
Reading social cues
What is the most important thing to remember about autism
It's just one part of who you are!
This young climate activist has autism and says it helps her focus and speak up for what's right
Greta Thunberg. She calls her autism her 'superpower' because it helps her care deeply and stay focused.