Autism facts
What is Autism?
A brain difference that impacts the way people interact with the world.
What is Abby's favorite activity to do?
What should I do when Hayden loudly enters the classroom?
Ignore it and let the teacher help. When he appropriately starts a conversation or is loud when it is expected, celebrate and interact with him!
True or False- Autistic people are less capable than Allistic or neurotypical people
False!
Name some strengths and weakness of some autistic people
Strengths: good with routines, being funny, kind, being fair, organization, observant, independent
Weaknesses: Sensory struggles, changes, understanding feelings, letting things go,
What things does Hayden love to talk about?
Credit cards, security systems, t-shirts, open signs, lawnmowers and snowblowers
What should I do if Hayden talks about or makes physical contact with me or a friend?
Move away to a place where you feel safe and comfortable and let a teacher know immediately.
Situation: Hayden walks up to you and asks about your shirt. How do you respond?
Just like you would anyone else! Hayden has a harder time with greetings and starting a conversation the way neurotypical kids might, but loves talking to friends about his favorite topics.
True or false- All autistic students at our school are in the AIM program.
False! There are many autistic students who need less help than AIM students or no help at all to be successful at school.
Should we say "autistic person/people" or "person/people with autism"
Either one! Many autistic adults have advocated that they prefer "autistic person" because autism colors the way they experience the world. Just like you would say "a tall person" or "a blind person."
What are some of Abby's favorite foods?
What should I do if Hayden is saying my name repeatedly and wants to work with me in class but I already have a group or don't want to work with him.
Let him know! Clearly tell him you would not like to work with him today.
Situation: Hayden asks you to play on the playground but you're not interested in playing with him. What do you do?
Let him know you don't want to play by clearly saying "I don't want to play," "Maybe tomorrow," or "No thank you."
True or false- All students in our AIM program have autism
False!
Why do some autistic students have loud or big behaviors that can sometimes be scary or destructive?
All behavior is a form of communication! Many autistic people communicate differently and may use their body language or verbalization to share that they are frustrated, dysregulated, angry, or other big feelings.
What should I do when I see or hear someone saying hurtful, rude, or unkind things about another student?
Don't be a bystander! Stand up for the student and don't let unkind behavior go ignored. If necessary or the hurtful behavior continues, let a teacher know.