Myth or Fact
Myth or Fact: People with learning disabilities are actually just lazy
Myth! Learning disabilities are real disorders. The reality is that people with learning disabilities often must try harder than their peers to accommodate for their symptoms.
Autism, ADHD, ID, learning disability
What does "disability accommodation" mean"?
Modifications or adjustments made to a workplace, educational institution, or other environment to enable individuals with disabilities to participate equally and perform their roles effectively
Name 1 trait that can be challenging for people with ADHD
Distractibility, procrastination, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, forgetfulness. disorganization, restlessness
This Team USA Olympic Gymnast has been open about her struggles with mental health, including ADHD.
Simone Biles
Myth or Fact: There is no cure to Autism
Fact. Autism is a difference in brain function, and there is no "cure" for this.
True or False: Most people with ADHD have the same symptoms
FALSE. In fact, there are over 140,000 different symptom combinations of ADHD.
True or False: Tools like noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, and weighted blankets are examples of assistive technology
True
What do people with dyslexia struggle with?
Reading and writing
What well-known filmmaker has been open about his own experiences with autism and has incorporated themes of social isolation, misfit characters, and unusual perspectives in many of his films, including "Edward Scissorhands" and "The Nightmare Before Christmas"?
Tim Burton
Myth or Fact: Learning Disabilities Only Matter In Academic Settings
MYTH. Learning disabilities can affect multiple areas of a persons life, including socially
Define neurodiversity
The range of differences in individual brain function and behavioral traits, regarded as part of normal variation in the human population
What is the name of the specialized education plan created for students with disabilities?
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
Name 1 strength/positive trait associated with autism
Strong focus, exceptional memory, visual and logical thinking, enhanced attention to detail, creativity, honesty, and more
Widely regarded as one of the greatest film directors of all time for movies like Jurassic Park, E.T., and Jaws, he has been open about having dyslexia
Steven Spielberg
True or False: More boys are diagnosed with ADHD than girls
True. Although both boys and girls have ADHD, boys are diagnosed more often because their symptoms are often more obvious
Why is the term "disorder" to describe autism problematic?
Name 1 accommodation for people with ADHD in school.
Extra time for assignments and tests, flexible seating, quiet workspace, frequent breaks, use of visual aids, positive reinforcement
Name 1 strength/positive trait associated with ADHD
heightened creativity, adaptability, resilience, and hyperfocus, energy, humor, conversation skills, courage, and more
This 2017 Netflix series follows a teenager with autism named Sam as he navigates high school, relationships, and family dynamics.
Atypical
True or false: You can diagnose ADHD with a brain scan
False. ADHD is diagnoses by observing symptoms
What is one thing you can do to destigmatize autism, ADHD, or learning disabilities?
Be inclusive, avoid and correct stereotypes, recognize and discuss the strengths of people with these diagnoses
What is an example of what a sensory-friendly space might look like?
Reduced noise, lighting, and other sensory stimuli that may be overwhelming
What is Tourette syndrome?
a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by repetitive, sudden, and involuntary movements or sounds called tics
This woman with multiple Doctorate degrees is known for her work on behalf of farm animals and has written a number of books, is cited as an example of a person with autism who achieved great success.
Temple Grandin