what now?

Because Autism is a spectrum disorder, each individual has a distinct set of strengths and challenges...And it's OK to be different! A child with disabilities often spends hours learning and being taught how to interact in their social world. Conversely, we should be spending time teaching those without disabilities how to interact with and help those facing such challenges. We need to increase awareness of ASD in general, from the daycare setting, through elementary, middle, and high school, and on into the adult community and working  world. And it's not only about learning and getting along, it’s about respect and acceptance; it’s about valuing the individual; it's about understanding mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, medical problems such as seizures, gastrointestinal disorders, and sensory sensitivities. How do teachers prepare for this monumental task? That's next.