AUTISM

Autism is a brain disorder that often makes it hard to communicate with and relate to others.

WHAT IS AUTISM?

Who knows someone with

Autism?

Autism affects more children in America then cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined

Every 1 in 88 -110 children Perhaps as many as 1 in 54 in boys

http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/news/20120329/autism-rates-cdc-2012

http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism

Every person on the autism spectrum exhibits different kinds of behaviors, from mild to severe - there is no “typical” person with

autism.

Symptoms of autism almost always occur before a child is 3 years old

• A delay in learning to talk• Not talking at all

• Seeming to be deaf (although hearing tests are normal)

Symptoms of Autism

Symptoms of Autism

• No eye contact

Symptoms of Autism

• A preference to play alone rather than with others

Symptoms of Autism

• Repeated motions and/or behaviors (body rocking, hand flapping…)• Repetitive speech

Symptoms of Autism

• Unusual attachment to objects• Overly fascinated with specific topics (trading cards,

Presidents, dinosaurs…)

Symptoms of Autism

Children with Autism have difficulty communicating with others. They often do not know or are not capable of expressing themselves. They may yell or shout. They may become very frustrated because we

don’t understand what they want.

• Difficulty understanding the feeling of others (pain, sadness…)• Getting very upset in a change of routine

What can you do?

• Say hello!• Invite him/her to sit at your lunch table.• Play a game together on the computer.• Step in if you see any bullying.