RESEARCH. MULTIMEDIA. ARTICLES.
The notion of autistic citizens who do not wish to be cured or recovered, who do not conceptualize themselves as having been abducted, who do not consider themselves to be ill or diseased, and who do not wish to see potential future others like themselves eradicated from the human genome (genetics) are inconsistent with the dominant cultural metaphorical conceptualizations of autism...” (Broderick, 2010, p. 265).
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"People tend to diagnose autism with really specific check-box descriptions, but in reality, it's a whole variation as to what we're like. For instance, my little brother, he's very severely autistic. He's nonverbal. He can't talk at all. But I love to talk. People often associate autism with liking maths and science and nothing else, but I know so many autistic people who love being creative. But that is a stereotype, and the stereotypes of things are often, if not always, wrong."
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“If you were to take away autism, you’re taking away the person you’re talking to,” she said. “It’s how you process information. It’s how you communicate. It’s how you sense the world. It affects your movement. I don’t know who I’d be if I did not have autism. I wouldn’t be me,” explains Melanie Yergeau, an English professor who was diagnosed with autism at 22 years-old. The information in this article can help educators understanding the relationship between academics and autism.
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Grandin says, "I think I'll start out and just talk a little bit about what exactly autism is. Autism is a very big continuum that goes from very severe — the child remains nonverbal -- all the way up to brilliant scientists and engineers," bringing us into her personal understanding of autism. |
In what has become a type of treatise for the disability movement, Jim Sinclair, co-founder of Autism Network international promotes understanding of neurological difference, and person-first language. He writes, "But I know it's a child, stranded in an alien world, without parents of its own kind to care for it.It needs someone to care for it, to teach it, to interpret and to advocate for it. And because this alien child happened to drop into my life, that job is mine if I want it."
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For teachers who may not identify with having a cognitive difference, it can be difficult to discern how to best meet student needs. This Ted Talk is a good provides a space for reflection. "I have Asperger's," explains Alix Generous, "a high-functioning form of autism that impairs the basic social skills one is expected to display. It's made life difficult in many ways, and growing up, I struggled to fit in socially. "
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This article opens with the words, "Our kid is nothing like your kid." Journalist Jeff Howe continues, "I don't mean that in an every-child-is-unique-as-a-snowflake way. I mean that my wife, Alysia, and I are pretty sure that Finn hails from some distant, unknown planet." This alien descriptor and what follows presents a commonly accepted understanding of children with special needs. The author focuses on the topic of coping with the costs, providing readers with calculations. This raw look sparked controversy, and it helpful for teachers seeking a well-rounded perspective.
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The video illustrates the benefits of acceptance, no matter the differences that may exist. Understanding that each person contributes to society and family in diverse ways is what makes life unique. Viewing this acceptance through the lens of a sibling with two autistic brothers, provides insight into understanding autism as an educator, and reaching all students.
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In the honest follow up to his article on the cost of raising a child with autism, Jeff Howe presents a public apology. "In writing the article, I had blithely (stupidly) failed to consider that part of my audience would consist of adults on the autism spectrum. Some of them were angry with me. Many, however, were simply hurt. Not just by me but also by every neurotypical journalist who describes people like Finn as burdens to be mourned, rather than as challenges to be managed,...Who wants to believe that the people who should love them the most — tenderly and totally and without qualification — would publicly characterize them as damaged, and as a source of pain and misery?" |
Not withstanding the various advances made in “understanding” autism, there are ongoing discussions concerning the cause, effects and extent of autism. The video demonstrates the inconsistent and evolving thoughts regarding autism and helps provide information as to its extent in the world. It helps raise awareness of autism, the human nature of autism, and the need for compassion and support for those with autism. The timeline discussed supports the need for understanding, change when necessary in a social world, and the commitment to tackling the challenges inherent in the increasing numbers of individuals diagnosed with autism.
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Though some may not agree with the site's tag line, "For learning and attention issues," Understood.org contains a wealth of valuable curated information designed to help parents comprehend and support students with disabilities. This resource is valuable for educators seeking to build cultural funds of knowledge, and negotiate deficit thinking regarding disability.
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Apps to Enhance Learning
Pictello provides information on an alternate method of communication for consideration with use with children with autism. It specifically addresses creating and utilizing visual stories and "talking books." Given the difficulty of some children being able to convey their thoughts and feelings in more traditional (e.g., written) ways, thought should be given to these type of visual communication tools. Specific aspects of Pictello are further described in the article.
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Proloquo is a multi-lingual, augmentative and alternative educational app that allows users to communicate with other by a touch of a button. Users can help to build their language development and continue to develop communication skills. This app helps individuals communicate in other ways in which they may not be able to. |
Picture Exchange Communication System is described as a 'unique augmentative/alternative communication intervention package for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and related developmental disabilities." Educators should consider various alternatives in striving to improve a student's ability to communicate. Use of pictures has been found to be beneficial in a number of areas and consideration of such approach will be beneficial for consideration.
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Curricular Resources
How can teachers personalize learning for all students? Learn the how, what, and why of using assessments. Learn NC provides access to a variety of curricular resources including lesson plans, and different types of texts to use with diverse students. Learn how to modify and accommodate for results that will promote the growth and development of students.
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This website for the Center on Technology and Disability provides access to a number of free resources aimed at finding ways to assist children in the ability spectrum be able to participate fully in each aspect of their life (at school, at home and in the community they live). Users must register and then log in to access the tools available. For example, the site includes accessible education materials in the Library, various recorded webinars and elearning courses.
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This site is run by Sasha Long, BCBA, M.A. A board certified behavior analyst special education teacher, The site provides useful information on instructional practices for educators of students with autism. It also provides information on behavior associated with autism, allowing educators to better act in their role as as teacher and learner.
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