April is World Autism Month which provides an opportunity for conversation about autism spectrum disorder. Over 70 million people globally are touched by Autism and approximately 1 in 66 children and youth are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Canada (Autism Speaks Canada). 

Did you know? (Retrieved from Autism Speaks Canada)

• Every autistic person has a unique combination of strengths and challenges

• Some people with autism can be hypersensitive to certain kinds of sensory input like touch, sound, or fluorescent lighting. Others with autism can be hyposensitive, meaning they need more sensory input than they are receiving

• Women and girls are more likely to be underdiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or diagnosed later in life

• Social communication differences can make staying safe online more challenging for autistic people 

• 88% of autistic adults report they have difficulty staying employed

• In the Cree language autism is not considered a disorder - it instead means “they/she/he thinks differently”

Truths and Myths about Autism (Retrieved from Autism Speaks Canada)

• If you are not talking you are nonverbal: if an autistic individual feels overwhelmed or has a sensory overload they may feel more comfortable not talking. A tense conversation may make them shy away. It does not mean they are nonverbal

• Nonverbal individuals do not communicate: nonverbal autistic individuals may not talk, however, they may communicate in other ways: using sign language, gestures and movements, or even a few words. Try to pay attention to their nonverbal signals

• Everyone with autism is the same: people do not fit into stereotypes. Autism is a spectrum. Do not assume that because you meet one individual that everyone is the same. Each person has a distinct set of strengths and challenges

To learn more about autism take a look at the resources below: 

Websites:

• https://www.autismspeaks.ca/world-autism-month/

• http://michaeljohncarley.com/

• https://www.templegrandin.com/

• http://www.autismasperger.net/

Organizations to Support:

• Autistic Self Advocacy Network (https://autisticadvocacy.org/)

• Autistic Women and Nonbinary Network (https://awnnetwork.org/)

• Neurodiversity Business Network (https://neurodiversityinbusiness.org/)

• Institute of Neurodiversity (https://ioneurodiversity.org/) 

• Autism in Black (https://www.autisminblack.org/) 

Books:

• The Awesome Autistic Go-To Guide: A Practical Handbook for Autistic Teens and Tweens by Jeannette Purkis

• Autistics on Autism: Stories You Need to Hear About What Helped Them While Growing Up and Pursuing Their Dreams by Kerry Magro

• Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism by Barry M Prizant

• Books by Temple Grandin (https://www.templegrandin.com/templegrandinbooks.html) 

Follow:

• Kerry Magro @autisticprofessionalspeaker

• Robin Roscigno @auteachofficial 

• Stephen Shore @drstephenshore