Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will have a better understanding of Autism, its history, characteristics, and how to support individuals with Autism.

Materials and Prep

• Pen and paper
• Access to the internet for research
• An open mind and willingness to learn

Activities

• Research Time: Use the internet to research the history of Autism, famous individuals with Autism, and current research in the field.
• Autism Characteristics: Create a list of common characteristics of individuals with Autism and reflect on how these traits can be both challenging and beneficial.
• Empathy Exercise: Write a short story or draw a comic strip from the perspective of a person with Autism to better understand their experiences.

Talking Points

• What is Autism? - "Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how a person communicates and interacts with others."
• History of Autism: - "Autism was first identified in the 1940s by Dr. Leo Kanner and has since been studied and better understood."
• Characteristics of Autism: - "People with Autism may have challenges with social skills, communication, and repetitive behaviors, but they also often have unique strengths and abilities."
• Supporting Individuals with Autism: - "It's important to show empathy, understanding, and acceptance towards individuals with Autism and to create inclusive environments where they can thrive."