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Autism is a spectrum disorder, a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. The symptoms generally appear in the first 2 years of life.

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Mental Health , National Institute  Of. “Autism Spectrum Disorder.” National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Feb. 2024, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd. 

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Some of the characteristics that people with autism struggle with are social interactions, but more specifically, starting and taking turns in conversations, sharing interests or emotions, and understanding what others are thinking or feeling. Communication is making eye contact, understanding other people's body language gestures, and facial expressions, and regulating tone of voice. Also many people with autism struggle with developing and maintaining relationships.

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Speaks, Autism. “Autism Symptoms.” Autism Speaks, 2024, www.autismspeaks.org/autism-symptoms. 

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Some causes of autism are genetics. Some of the common genetic disorders for children are Rett syndrome or Fragile X syndrome. Genetic changes such as mutations may increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder. Also environmental factors. Researchers are currently exploring whether medication for complications during pregnancy, or air pollutants.

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Clinic , Mayo. “Autism Spectrum Disorder.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 6 Jan. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20352928. 

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Some therapies that could help students manage autism are occupational therapy, TEACCH, speech therapy, and verbal behavior. To work with a child with autism, I would be aware of the strategies that work with this child and also be aware of the child's strengths. I would also teach the entire class about understanding and acceptance of students with disabilities so that the student with autism feels more comfortable in the classroom. I feel like some challenges with this are the student may not like to interact socially, they could have problems processing information, and communication difficulties. I feel that a student with autism in the classroom could strengthen a classroom's diversity and if taught about the disability could help everyone in the class in their future lives.

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Autism Speaks. “Autism Therapy and Intervention.” Autism Speaks, Autism Speaks , 2024, www.autismspeaks.org/autism-therapies. 