Autism
This unit helps students understand that Autism affects the brain and social communication skills, and introduces the concept of a spectrum. The students also learn about Asperger’s syndrome.
Key themes:
- Individuals with Autism have a wide range of abilities and each individual is unique, with a combination of strengths and challenges.
- Individuals with Autism often have difficulties 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 to cope with stress and may have intense interest in a specific topic.
Program implementation is flexible and can be adapted for your classroom, but a typical 2-hour session includes:
| ACTIVITY | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Informational Video presentation | Students learn the term spectrum. Information is presented about the challenges and strengths of people with Autism, and suggestions for how to be an inclusive friend are covered. |
| Two small group activities | A cooperative puzzle activity demonstrates social communication challenges. An emotion charades exercise helps students understand how facial expression and body language help us understand each other. |
| Video: “Intricate Minds II: Understanding Elementary School Classmates With Asperger Syndrome.” | The video highlights children with Asperger’s syndrome talking about their interests and what it is like going to school. |
| Guest Speaker | Students meet a guest speaker who shares the experience of living with autism. |