Did You Know?
Research has shown that this animal specifically, is linked to improved quality of life in autistic children, helping with their aggressive behavior, prompting independence and safety.
Dogs
Self-stimulatory, repetitive behaviors such as rocking, hand-flapping, hair picking, or tapping.
"Stimming"
Swedish environmental activist and author, born in 2003.
Greta Thunberg
What is the name of the largest Autism Non-Profit organization in the United States?
"Autism Speaks"
Autism Spectrum Disorder is considered a mental illness.
False.
Autism Spectrum disorder (ASD) is not considered a mental illness, but it can cause mental health problems. ASD is a developmental condition that affects how people see the world and interact with others.
What year was the term "Asperger's Syndrome" officially retired for the current term "Autism Spectrum Disorder"?
2013
The process by which individuals with autism learn to camouflage or suppress their autistic traits and behaviors in social situations.
Masking
Masking autistic characteristics and suppressing needs, preferences, coping mechanisms can result in mental and physical exhaustion, a loss of sense of self, and mental health difficulties (including increased suicidality and/or self-harm).
Award winning actor starred in Silence of the Lambs (1991) and Thor (2011)
Sir Anthony Hopkins
What does ASAN stand for?
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
ASAN is a collective of self advocate-led policy experts working on national and regional chapter levels to improve quality of life, understanding, and acceptance for autistic people of all ages and abilities.
Autism cannot be cured.
True.
It isn't an illness and there is no cure. Rather than a cure, the focus is on treatment, support, and skills development which may involve behavioral, psychological, and educational therapy.
Autism Spectrum Disorder can be detected as early as ______ months/years old.
Autism Spectrum Disorder can be detected as early as 18 months old.
An intense emotional response to overwhelming sensory or emotional stimuli, characterized by an inability to regulate emotions and behavior.
Meltdown
Meltdowns may involve crying, screaming, aggression, or self-injurious behaviors. This behavior is not deliberate or manipulative like tantrums, but rather a result of sensory overload or emotional distress.
Italian sculptor, painter, architect, and poet who is known for his work on the Sistine Chapel.
Michelangelo
The Global Autism Project is a non-profit that offers clinical, administrative, and leadership training to local staff at autism centers around the world. What year was this organization established?
2003
The Global Autism Project has partners in India, Kenya, Indonesia, China, Nigeria, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Tanzania, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, and Czech Republic.
People with autism always have extraordinary talents or abilities.
False.
There is no direct correlation between autism and intelligence. Each individual is unique, a common phrase you may hear in this community - "If you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism."
According to the CDC, as of 2023, 1 out of ___ children in the US are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
According to the CDC, as of 2023, 1 in 36 children in the U.S. have autism, up from the previous rate of 1 in 44.
Many adults with late-diagnosed autism experience this challenge, which can impact their ability to plan, set and meet goals, refer back to previous experiences, complete tasks, and manage their emotions.
Executive functioning
EF issues can make it extremely difficult for people with autism to cope with day-to-day life. Coping strategies like creating “to-do” lists to breaking down larger tasks into manageable steps and having routines can be useful for avoiding autistic burnout or meltdowns.
Though Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) was not formally recognized or diagnosed during their lifetime (1830–1886), this famous author is known for her morbidity and mastery of poetry.
Emily Dickinson
ASAN has a national headquarters based in this city, state.
Washington, DC
Autism Spectrum Disorder only affects children and can be outgrown with age.
False.
ASD occurs during brain development in childhood. With age, the brain creates neurodevelopmental pathways with internal connections and functioning networks that determine human behavior and communication, and interactions with the world around us.
Though there are a range of physical and mental-health conditions that frequently accompany autism. This condition affects up to a third of people with autism.
Epilepsy (seizure disorder)
By contrast, it affects only 1 to 2 percent of the general population. Warning signs include: Unexplained staring spells, involuntary movements, unexplained confusion, and/or severe headaches.
The repetition of words or phrases spoken by others.
Echolalia
This can manifest in individuals with autism as immediate echolalia (repeating immediately after hearing) or delayed echolalia (repeating after some time has passed)
American actress and singer, known for her starring role in the 1996 film "Matilda"
Mara Wilson
This dating/friendship app was created in 2019 expressly for autistic adults to building community & relationships.
"Hiki"
Hiki means "able" in Hawaiian.
Autism is almost always genetic.
False.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is estimated to be 40–80% heritable, but genetics, biology, and environment are all important factors.