Educate Yourself on Autism this World Autism Month
April is World Autism Month, which means it’s time to building understanding and celebrate people on the spectrum. For those who are still learning about autism and what it means, we gathered a list of terms and resources that might help you understand it more.
What is Autism?
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges.
A good place to start learning about ASD is from the CDC. It contains articles and resources stating what autism is, how it is diagnosed, and other nationwide data that is organized in a way that is easy to understand.
What is Autism? (video): This video gives a quick, creative summary on what autism means for those affected.
Read our What is Autism Information Kit for a list of early signs and symptoms.
Autism Explained Podcast: Psychologist Dr. Kirk Honda brings interviews an autism expert on the facts and myths surrounding autism, as well as other issues that affect them.
Some important terms you should know about:
Neurodivergent: A term used to refer to people whose brains may be different from the norm, including people with autism and/or ADHD. Neurodiversity: What Is It? (webmd.com)
Non-verbal: Some people with autism are non-verbal. This means they don’t use their words to communicate. Instead, they may use sign language or assistive devices. This article explains more.
Assistive technology: Any device or equipment that provides some support and functioning to people with disabilities. To learn more about assistive technology, how they are used and how they are obtained, read this info kit.
Sensory overload: People with autism have hypersensitive senses and may be easily overwhelmed, which can lead to meltdowns. You can read more about it here. There is also this animated video, which provides some insight as to what it’s like for the person as they are going through the sensory overload. (WARNING: This video itself has bright colors and loud noises, which may be overwhelming. Note that this video doesn’t represent all cases of sensory overload, as each person may have a different experience).
Sensory toys: Sensory toys allow people with autism to play in their preferred manner in a way that may stimulate their senses. Read this info kit from our website to learn more about sensory toys and why they are important to people with autism.
Stimming: Self-stimulating behaviors such as rocking or hand flapping that people with autism may use when they’re overwhelmed, excited, or need to communicate. It may used to self-soothe during sensory overload. Learn more about it here. Note that stimming can also be done by people without autism.
Learning from people with autism:
People with autism are diverse and each individual has their own story. No two people with autism are the same. The following materials highlights the perspectives of people with autism and gives them a voice.
Autistics on Autism: This book compiles a list of 100 anecdotes of people on the spectrum talking about their experiences growing up and their journey to acceptance.
Thinking in Pictures: My Life with Autism: Biography on Temple Grandin, an autistic scientist, where she talks about her life as a person with autism.
Autism by Autistics: A podcast where Melissa Chapple and Sophie Williams, two women with autism, have a conversation about many of the general aspects of autism and what they mean, as well as their personal experiences with it.
Do All Autistic People Think the Same?: In this video, group of young adults with autism answer some questions related to their experience as a person with to which they may agree or disagree to a certain level. It shows the different points of views in the autism community on the issues that affect them.
World Autism Month isn’t only about increasing awareness but also understanding. Educate yourself, educate others, and continue to empower those with autism.