How to spread awareness

The month of April is World Autism Awareness Month, but what exactly is autism? Autism is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. This month is an opportunity to raise awareness of how we can all be sensitive and allies to those who have autism. 

Here at OM, we have numerous staff members who help out with students with autism. One of our staff members, Nicole Pickett, has experience working in our special education department, as well as coaching allied sports. I asked her how we can all help show awareness to kids with autism this month and she said, “Talk to them. Treat them how you would anyone else. They are still people. Don’t just make it a one-month out-of-the-year thing. Talk to them all the time, every time you pass in the hallway or see them at lunch. Say ‘hi.’”

People with autism all have different qualities, some even have exceptional skills that they are extra good at, such as art, math, memory, and being athletic. There are many more gifts people with autism could possess, and if you take the opportunity to say hi in the hallway, you may learn more about the autistic students here at OM.

We also should be aware of how a school setting can affect someone with autism. Big crowds, big classrooms, and lots of noise can make a student with autism get overwhelmed. “These things could cause sensory overload and negatively impact the student’s day,” according to Ms. Pickett. But these things could also be helpful to some students who have less severe autism because social interactions and talking to their peers can be beneficial. 

At the end of the day, it’s nice to bring awareness to any group that is different from the norm so we can all learn how to best support and be helpful allies to all of our peers. However, it is important to not only show awareness and kindness during this month but to always be kind no matter the day.