Autism Fact or Fiction
True or False:
More girls are identified with Autism than boys
FALSE
Boys beat girls 4:1!
True or False:
Raising a child with unique needs requires significantly more energy and patience than raising a "neuro-typical" child.
TRUE
So very true!
True or False:
Temple Grandin is a famous author professor with Autism.
True!
Mary Temple Grandin is a professor of animal science at Colorado State University, consultant to the livestock industry on animal behavior, author, and Autism spokesperson.
True or False:
An IEP allows children with unique needs to receive specialized support at school.
True!
True or False:
ABA is a treatment approach for children impacted by Autism.
TRUE
True or False:
Most children with Autism are diagnosed after age 3.
This is still true. Although, efforts are being made to improve early diagnosis, starting as young as 18 months.
What is the number one tip for parents new to Autism?
a. Read a book.
b. Cry.
c. Find support for you.
c. Find support for you.
Building your tribe is very important. Find community and professional supports as soon as possible. Helping yourself first will help you to better support your child.
___________________ was one of the first successful movies depicting a character with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
a. Beetlejuice
b. The Accountant
c. Rain Man
c. Rain Man
This breakthrough Hollywood film established a new standard for the representation of Autism in 1988, given close observations of two real-life individuals with autism (including the son of Ruth Sullivan, the first president of the Autism Society of America).
True or False:
Special education laws originated in the U.S. only 40 years ago.
TRUE
Our first special education law was originally known as the Education of Handicapped Children Act, passed in 1975. Later, it was renamed IDEA.
What does OT stand for?
Occupational Therapy/Therapist
True or False:
Japan is in the top three for having the most number of children per 10,000 who are identified with ASD.
True!
Research reveals Japan is between the top 1-2 countries with the highest rates for ASD.
True or False:
Respite care services only benefit the child with unique needs.
False: Allowing yourself and your child to be supported by trained caregivers (respite care) allows you to hit the "reset button". It can help you replenish your emotional resources so you can be stronger and more resilient in your parenting.
True or False:
Dan Aykroyd (Ghostbusters movie) has been identified with Autism.
True.
Academy Award Nominated actor and writer Dan Aykroyd first came out about his autism diagnosis in 2004. In a recent interview with the Daily Mail, Dan shared how his "Asperger Syndrome" contributed to the inspiration for the hit movie Ghostbusters.
True or False
States can interpret the federal law IDEA at their discretion.
True.
The federal law IDEA spells out what all states must do to meet the needs of students with disabilities. But in many areas, IDEA leaves room for states to interpret the rules and pass their own laws on how to apply them.
What does SLP stand for?
Speech-Language Pathologist
What percentage of individuals with Autism have average to above average thinking and learning abilities?
a. 10%
b. 44%
c. 76%
b. 44% have IQ scores in the average to above average range (i.e., IQ >85).
___________________ helps to decrease stress and can boost your immune system.
a. Drinking smoothies
b. Running long distance
c. Meditation
c. Meditation
The quiet reflection associated with brief meditation breaks can decrease your stress levels, boost your immune system, and improve your focus.
Which state was the first to have a contestant with Autism in the Miss America Pageant?
a. Texas
b. California
c. Montana
c. Montana
Alexis Wineman, known to some as Miss Montana, became the first contestant with Autism in the history of the Miss America Pageant.
Children who have an IEP are eligible to receive services through the school system until they receive a high school diploma or age ______, whichever happens first.
a. 18
b. 22
c. 15
b. 22
If a child has been found eligible for special education (IEP), they can continue to receive services until high school graduation (or a maximum age of 22).
What does IFSP stand for?
Hint: Think early intervention...
Individualized Family Service Plan
A process and a plan for children with unique needs who are ages 0-3.
How many individuals with Autism also have seizure disorder?
a. 1/3
b. 3/4
c. 1/2
As many as one-third of people with autism have epilepsy (seizure disorder).
Mothers of adolescents and adults with autism experience chronic stress comparable to ________.
a. combat soldiers
b. mothers of children without unique needs
c. teachers
a. combat soldiers
Mothers of adolescents and adults with autism experience chronic stress comparable to combat soldiers. On a day-to-day basis, these mothers experience more stressful events and have less time for themselves when compared to the average American mother. (University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2009)
Which famous fashion designer is an Autism parent?
a. Tony Braxton
b. Tommy Hilfiger
c. Michael Kors
d. Victoria Beckham
b. Designer Tommy Hilfiger has both a teenage daughter and stepson who are on the spectrum.
There are ___ required members of the IEP team.
a. 3
b. 4
c. 5
c. 5
There are 5 required members of the IEP team:
the parents,
the regular education teacher,
the special education teacher,
a representative from the school district,
and an individual “who can interpret the instructional implications of evaluation results”, (such as a speech therapist or occupational therapist.)
What does LRE stand for?
Hint: It's where we want our kids to be educated at school.
Least Restrictive Environment
We want our children educated in the environment where they can be the most successful with the least amount of support.