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“What Is Autism?” Autism Speaks, www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism

https://www.teachthought.com/pedagogy/autism-awareness-month-6-strategies-for-teaching-students-with-autism/

https://guides.library.illinois.edu/c.php?g=515793&p=3526329

Cherney, Kristeen & Seladi-Schuhman, Jill. (2018,9). Everything you need to know about autism. Healthline. healthline.com/health/autism.

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https://www.act-today.org/resources/support-for-families/
-This is a page for support fo families. It has things from suggested articles for parents to read and family support groups to foundations / research institutes and funding.

-This website has an informational and education section for parents and professionals to learn more about ASD. It also has Autism Response Team that contacts a team member in your region available for questions and concerns.  The best part is the Resource Guide that allows you to apply filters about where you are located, how old your child with autism is what level of support you are looking for. The guide suggests advocacy, autism- friendly services, employment, health related services etc.

Local Resources
https://autismmclean.org/
This website shows many resources in McLean County. Such as events going on like the Children's Museum sensory friendly night. Another resource it shows is what to do after high school and gives different options.

https://www.easterseals.com/ci/our-programs/autism-asd-services/
Another website is Easterseal. This allows the parents to help their child get diagnosed and insurance help too.

https://www.theablecenter.com/autism-in-bloomington-il
This website helps people find local resources like autism intervention and therapists in the area

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Autism Speaks does not provide medical or legal advice or services. Rather, Autism Speaks provides general information about autism as a service to the community. The information provided on our website is not a recommendation, referral or endorsement of any resource, therapeutic method, or service provider and does not replace the advice of medical, legal or educational professionals. Autism Speaks has not validated and is not responsible for any information, events, or services provided by third parties.

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Autism Speaks does not provide medical or legal advice or services. Rather, Autism Speaks provides general information about autism as a service to the community. The information provided on our website is not a recommendation, referral or endorsement of any resource, therapeutic method, or service provider and does not replace the advice of medical, legal or educational professionals.

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-Asperger's Syndrome: a developmental disorder characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication, along with restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests.
-Pervasive Developmental Disorder--Not Otherwise Specified (PDD NOS): the diagnosis applied to children or adults who are on the autism spectrum but do not fully meet the criteria for another ASD
-Childhood disintegrative disorder: Cognitive and developmental regression associated with thyroid autoimmunity

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-This YouTube video gives a brief explanation as to what ASD entails. It also mentions different disorders that fall under the ASD spectrum.

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National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD)

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-People on the ASD spectrum may experience a wide variety of communication difficulties. A speech generating device or,"a portable that contains one or more panels or switches that when depressed will activate pre-recorded digitized or synthesized speech output" can help.  For example, GoTalks, is available with various amounts of communication options and sizes.

-People on the spectrum may have difficulty with social skills. Individuals can work on facial and behavioral cues with technology, as well. FaceSay Social Skills Software Games is a software game that targets to help individuals recognize these cues through video modeling and script training.

-Functioning independently, daily living skills such as hygiene, organizational skills, and recreational skills can be taught through presentations and instructions. Life Skills Winner is an app that allows its players to score points as they learn daily living tasks in an interactive way.

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1. Create a classroom routine. Students with autism as well as non-autistic students appreciate routine. Establishing a pattern (classroom greeting, special activities, similar transition cues and wrap-ups) will benefit all students.

2. Teach understanding and acceptance. It can start by pairing our students with autism with peers who are positive role models. Utilizing small groups and partner activities can help our students accept and truly get to know one another. We should be aware that students with autism can become isolated in the classroom to interacting with solely their aide. We can prevent this by working with students and the paraprofessional to support social exchange among peers.

3. Provide written rules or pictures of the expectations in the classroom. This may include 'unwritten' conventions. Working with the students to create a narrative as to why these rules are in place is beneficial, as well. Learns with autism are more likely to comply with a rule if they understand why it exists. (For example: It is important to raise our hand when we wish to speak. If everyone talks at once, how would be able to understand what everyone has to say?)

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The cause of Autism is currently unknown. But there are different risk factors associated with it:

"having an immediate family member with autism

genetic mutations

fragile X syndrome and other genetic disorders

being born to older parents

low birth weight

metabolic imbalances

exposure to heavy metals and environmental toxins

a history of viral infections

fetal exposure to the medications valproic acid (Depakene) or thalidomide (Thalomid)"

Citation: Cherney, Kristeen & Seladi-Schuhman, Jill. (2018,9). Everything you need to know about autism. Healthline. healthline.com/health/autism.

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-Every individual on the autism spectrum has problems to some degree with social interaction, empathy, communication, and flexible behavior.

“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” (Autism Speaks). Autism can be broken down into many subcategories that fall onto a spectrum. It may also be noted that if you know one person with Autism, you only know that form of Autism and not all. Because autism is a spectrum disorder, everyone with autism is extremely different and face many different challenges and hold onto many strengths as well. Some people with ADS many constantly need support in their daily life, while others can function completely on their own.