Autism

This unit helps students understand that Autism affects the brain and that each individual with Autism is unique, although usually people with Autism exhibit some observable characteristics.

Key themes:

People with Autism have tremendous strengths that come from their unique perspective on the world.
Individuals with Autism may have a range of difficulties (including being non-speaking) with social communication skills, or the ways we interact and exchange information.
Many individuals with Autism, but not all, have sensory processing issues, or difficulty taking in and managing information from their five senses.
Some individuals with Autism may exhibit repetitive behaviors, which help to cope with stress.
Some individuals with Autism may have intense interest in a specific topic.
People with Autism do lots of activities, sometimes with accommodations to help with their challenges in particular environments.

Information is presented about the range of strengths and challenges of people with Autism, and suggestions for how to be inclusive and an ally are covered. Students learn that although Autism may affect the way someone plays and interacts, they still want to be included and to have friends.

I liked learning about what people with Autism are going through. The day after the program I went to the beach with a family member who is Autistic, and because of the program I could understand a little more about how they might have been feeling that day."

— 5th grade student

FLEXIBLE PROGRAMMING

Program implementation is flexible and can be adapted for a remote, hybrid or in-person classroom. A typical 1 ½ to 2-hour session for fifth graders includes: an informational video, up to two hands-on activities and a talk by a speaker with Autism, who describes their life experiences and answers students’ questions. Recommended grade level: 5^th grade.

Sample Questions from Fifth Graders

Were you born with autism?
Do you feel good about Autism, like unique?
Do you notice things that other people don’t?
What are some stereotypes about autism that are not true?
Do people have their interests change?
What’s your favorite game show?