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Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 54 children in the United States today.

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Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 36 children in the United States today.

We know that there is not one autism but many subtypes, most influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Because autism is a spectrum disorder, each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges. The ways in which people with autism learn, think and problem-solve can range from highly skilled to severely challenged. Some people with ASD may require significant support in their daily lives, while others may need less support and, in some cases, live entirely independently.

Several factors may influence the development of autism, and it is often accompanied by sensory sensitivities and medical issues such as gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, seizures or sleep disorders, as well as mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression and attention issues.

Signs of autism usually appear by age 2 or 3. Some associated development delays can appear even earlier, and often, it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. Research shows that early intervention leads to positive outcomes later in life for people with autism.

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What is autism spectrum disorder (asd)? Click here to read the definition, learn about different types of autism and how to help autistic kids.

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Boy Alone is a memoir written by Karl Taro Greenfield. Karl knew from a young age that his little brother, Noah, was not the ordinary child. Karl retells the story of his childhood, reliving the painful experiences of loving his brother while being unable to communicate. Noah unable to reciprocate the love and care that Karl gave him. Throughout the book Karl speaks about the tough decisions the family had to make and often compares them to his own family now. The author shares his thoughts on growing up in his brother's shadow. This story is truthful, brutally-honest, and does not ease or fake the struggles about growing up with a brother suffering from autism. However this book does showcase how relationships and love can exist, even without communication.

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My cousin struggles with autism. We've grown up together, he lives right next door. He does lack certain social skills but he is tons of fun to be around. He loves coming to our neighborhood beach trip every year and enjoys going to school. He also knows every single president, their vice president. their party, the year they served, their home state, and even their wife's name. During the day when he is not at school he loves to chalk outside on the road. He constantly writes the names of actors (he is a huge movie fan). If we go a week without rain, the whole street will be covered in different colors of chalk and actors ranging from Jack Nicholson to Will Smith, who is the greatest actor in the world according to him. While he doesn't suffer as bad as Karl's brother, Noah, did. He still has rough days nothing seems to go right. He is crushed that he will not be able to walk at graduation this summer.

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When I think back at Boy Alone, it reminds me that you really have no idea what people go through. Anyone on the street you run into could have grown up helping raise their sibling. Autism affects tons of families and children every year. As people and teachers we need to make the effort to be as culturally responsible as possible. We can learn a lot from the struggles our friends have suffered.

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This book highlights the struggles that families go through. Things we need to be considerate of and understand of as future teachers. Every case of autism is different, the same as every student and human. We will need care and provide the best opportunity for all students to learn and grow. One thing that I think is a must when teaching a student with autism is a steady communication with his/her parents. Find out what they like or don't like. What ways can you help the most?