April is Autism Awareness Month!
Welcome to a Special Edition of aspergerchild.com's newsletter. This month we're focussing on ways you can contribute to raising awareness of Autism in your community, and helping to increase tolerance of the challenges experienced by our children.
The month kicks off with World Autism Day on 2nd April, and you can wear blue to show your support, and help raise awareness of Autism and Asperger's Syndrome.
Why is it so important to raise awareness of these conditions?
Well, Australia's national statistics show 1 in 100 are affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder, so chances are someone you know has Autism or is directly affected by it.
So what can you do to help raise awareness? Well, simply being on this mailing list is a great first step. You can amplify the benefits by encouraging others to sign up too.
What is Autism/Asperger's Syndrome?
It is a lifelong, neurobiological disorder (involving brain processes and biological functioning), that affects how an individual communicates, socialises, processes sensory input and copes with change.
Who has Autism/Asperger's Syndrome?
ASD can affect people of all intellectual abilities. Some names you may recognise are Einstein, Mozart, Beethoven and more recently Craig Nicholls (The Vines) and Tim Finn.
Television characters you may know are Temperance in Bones; Gerry in Boston Legal and Sheldon in the Big Bang Theory.
Innovative ways to spread the word while increasing knowledge of Autism/Asperger's
Read or gift a book:
• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, Mark Haddon
• House Rules, Jodi Picoult
• Dear John, Nicholas Sparks
• Look Me in the Eye, John Elder Robinson
See a movie or watch a DVD:
• Mozart and the Whale
• Snow Flake
• The Black Balloon
• Adam
• Max and Mary
What we all need to understand is that Autism and Asperger's Syndrome affect the way an individual navigates EVERY aspect of their daily life – they often need to be taught skills that come instinctively to others, through a very different delivery method. Don't believe me? Take a look at this story:
Program to tackle Asperger's driving difficulties
Sydney University has set up a specialised program to help people with Asperger's syndrome - a form of autism spectrum disorder that affects communication skills and coordination - learn how to drive safely.
Like most young men in their early twenties, Daniel Hammond is keen for the independence that comes with a driving licence. Full Story
Happy educating! Nelle
