Want to know more about autism? This presentation gives parents, educators, service providers, and the general public a brief overview of autism signs & symptoms, and considerations and best practices when interacting with a child or adult who is on the autism spectrum.

1. Autism 101:
An Introduction to
Understanding Autism
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
Percent of Children
with Autism

2. There are similarities found across the spectrum including:
- Difficulty in communications
- Deficits in social functioning
- Restricted interests
- Repetitive behaviors
- Difference in processing sensory input
VS
Where a person is on the spectrum CAN CHANGE due to a variety of reasons
including development, circumstances, and targeted interventions.
Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning that it can range in severity
and won’t look exactly the same in any two people with autism
What is Autism?

3. Basic Facts About Autism
o One in 68 children is affected.
o Lifelong developmental disorder
o Children and adults can learn and improve
o Early intervention is important
o Genetic link, can run in families
o More common in males (approximately five times more common)
o Looks different at different ages, developmental delay
o Frequently occurs with other diagnoses (this is called co-morbidity)
o Autism costs a family $60,000 a year on average

4. 10 Myths about People with Autism
All people with autism
1. Are savants (Rain Man stereotype)
2. Don’t have feelings, have no empathy
3. Don’t build relationships, can’t get married or
have families
4. Are violent and a danger to society
5. Have no language skills
6. Can’t have jobs
7. Can’t go to school or be in standard classrooms
8. Are entirely dependent on a caretaker
9. Are miserable and suffering
10. Need help and want a cure for autism
The truth? Every
person with autism
is a unique
individual. Everyone
has different needs,
wants, abilities,
strengths, lifestyles,
and goals.

5. http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/
The earlier the diagnosis, the earlier supports can be provided! A lot of
frustration, worry, social discomfort, and exclusion can be avoided.
Act Early.
o Lack of social engagement (eye contact, cuddling, smiling
back, pointing at objects to show interest, prefers to play
alone)
o Unusual responses to sensory input (Stares at lights, only
eats certain foods, cover ears)
o Repetitive body movements – rocking, spinning, or
flapping
o Difficulty with change or transition
o Communication impediments - Stops using speech or sign
language (regressive autism); May be non-verbal or hyper-
verbal; Echoes words or phrases (echolalia)
Every individuals shows
different symptoms, and
having some of these
symptoms doesn’t necessarily
mean the person has autism.
It’s very important to get an
official diagnosis from a
licensed professional!
Warning!

6. How to support someone with autism
1. Sensory issues
2. Anxiety / Trauma
3. Visual supports
4. Literal language
5. Behavior is communication
6. Time for breaks – for you and them
7. Transition points
8. Choice – empowerment
9. Won’t vs. Can’t
10. Having autism means your brain works
differently.
Be Patient.
Listen.
Avoid sudden change.
If you don’t know, ask.
Assume Competence.
Top Tips
Ten things to think about in supporting individuals with autism

7. Build Rapport
One of the best ways to
build a connection? No
mystery here – just like
in any other relationship
that’s important to you,
it helps to show a
genuine interest in the
other person’s
activities or
fascinations!
How to Support Autistic Individuals

8. Consider the Environment
Sensory issues
o Order
o Noise
o Smells
o Temperature
o Safety
o Fears
Many individuals with autism process
sensory input differently. For example,
they may be especially sensitive to it and
easily overwhelmed, or could focus
exclusively on one strong sense and be
unaware of the rest.

9. Golden Rule: R-E-S-P-E-C-T
o Use a soft voice
o Gently say hello and call them by
name
o Be calm
o Give them space
o Do not touch or hug without
permission
o Allow time for a response
o You may not get a response
o Do not expect eye contact
o Help the person learn that he is safe
with you
o Be patient; it may take a long time to
feel that you are making a
connection
o Accept the person’s quirks
o If the person is having a hard time,
ask how you can help
o If you’re speaking to a child, ask the
parents for some tips

10. o “Person first” language means referring to
the person before their autism, such as
“individual with autism”
o “Identity first” language means referring to
autism first, such as “an autistic person”
o “Neurotypical” (NT) refers to an individual
with neural functioning that is perceived as
normative or typical, e.g. someone without
autism
o “Neurodiverse” (ND) refers to a community
or group of individuals with distinct
neurological or cognitive features
o Not everyone agrees about what kind of
language is most respectful
Practicing Verbal Respect
We recommend that you
ask what language the
person prefers. And then
use what language they
feel comfortable with, not
the language you prefer.

11. Autism Acceptance
Initiated by the Autism Society of Northern Virginia’s autistic board member, autism
acceptance as an unambiguously positive response to the negativity frequently
associated with autism.
Autism Acceptance is actively offering autistic individuals the supports they need to
be fully included as valuable members of our families, schools, workplaces,
neighborhoods and faith communities.

12. How Are We Doing?
o VA ranks 41st out of 51 states
(and DC) on disability inclusion
o Autistic adults struggle with
employment, housing, bullying
and social isolation.
o The waitlist for long-term services has over 10,000 people on it
and the wait for services averages 8-10 years

13. Our Mission
To build community for all impacted by autism through
education, advocacy and support
We believe that no individual should walk this journey alone.

14. What do we do?
Provide all affected by autism with knowledge, resources, & acceptance
Lunch Bunch ● Autism 101 ● Online support group ● Monthly Newsletter
Safety trainings ● Resource directory ● The Autism Partnership (TAP) Program
Provide resources and
community for autistic
individuals and their families
Social nights ● YouToo Tennis ●
Mini-grant program ● Assistive
Technology Program ● START
Robotics
Build a welcoming, inclusive, &
supportive region
Autism Advocate Forums●
Workplace presentations ●
Acceptance Walk ● Arts for
Autism ● Local, state, and
federal advocacy

15. The Autism Society of Northern Virginia
is here for YOU!
We advocate, inform and…share the journey
Contact us
info@asnv.org
703-495-8444
www.asnv.org