Hi!
Today, April 2nd, is World Autism Awareness Day! People from all around the world will be sharing and learning about autism. Additionally, April is Autism Awareness Month. As an SLP, I have worked with several students with autism. I think this day means something different for every person who's life has been touched by this disorder. To me, it is a time to reach out to students and teachers and share how they can learn about and help students with autism spectrum disorder. Here are some ways that you can acknowledge Autism Awareness Day and Autism Awareness Month at your school:
- Spread the word: Special days are always on the line-up for morning announcements. Add Autism Awareness Month to the announcement agenda. You may want to even give a few facts about autism such as the ones found here!
- Decorate: If you have access to a bulletin board, get creative and put up some information about Autism Awareness Day/Month! Download a free poster here.
- Allow students to share: One of the most meaningful ways to learn about autism is from a student with autism! Who else would know better? If you have a student who is comfortable with it, give the student time to share in his or her class or in a smaller group of students during therapy. One of my upper elementary students shared about his experience with autism last year with his class, and it was so wonderful for both students and teachers to listen to his perspective!
- Let teachers and parents know about community events: There are a few events in my community for Autism Awareness Month. Check to see if there is anything going on in your community and let parents and teachers know!
- Let others know how they can help: Supporting students and adults with autism takes a lot of work, time, and money. As the saying goes - "it takes a village". The organizations that support individuals with autism are doing great things. It is important that they can continue to be a resource to our communities. Give a list of local organizations that support individuals with autism to staff members to let them know how they can volunteer their time or make a donation.
- Educate your staff: I'm not saying you need to give some PD during your staff meeting, but this is a great time to give a helpful handout to teachers and staff with some pointers about working with students with autism. You can download a free handout for teachers from my store here.
How are you acknowledging World Autism Awareness Day and Autism Awareness Month? I would love to hear your ideas!
~Erin
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