Autism Facts

Five things someone on the autism spectrum wants you to know

Isabelle Marks Mosca, FACES 4 Autism

Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month is in April, but for many families every day is about acceptance. Autism New Jersey defines Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) “a neurobiological disorder characterized by impairments in social communication and interaction as well as restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. Individuals with autism have difficulty interacting with others: building relationships, using language, regulating their emotions, and understanding others’ points of view.”

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released a report in 2018 showing the rate of autistic children identified at 1 in 59 children nationally. This statistic is based on the CDC’s evaluation of health and educational records of 8-year-old children in 2014 in 11 states. New Jersey has the highest rates of the states studied, with 1 in 34.

Our family started the FACES 4 Autism support group in 2002 to connect with other families, compare notes and to meet others who were experiencing autism. In 2020, we help over 750 families every year. Learning from families for the past 18 years, these are five things that we have learned from our loved ones which can help those who work with special needs students, play with them or love them.

We are more alike than we are different. Connection is the key to understanding. Take these suggestions from our loved ones with ASD and you will ease anxiety, and develop a more meaningful relationship. 1. Please don’t think that I am ignoring you, even if I am not looking at you. 2. Say hello. I may not know how to ask you to play, or to be my friend. 3. Sometimes when I am excited, I flap my hands, make noises or move my body to show that I am excited. 4. Sometimes strong smells, bright lights, certain sounds can make me nervous or upset. 5. Please don’t stare or laugh at me if I am doing something that you don’t understand.

For more information on autism, visit www.autismnj.org or www.faces4autism.org

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