World Autism Awareness Day
Inclusion
Wantirna College
Tuesday 2 April
We've all heard of Autism, right? But how many actually understand the finer details of it? Most people think that Autism is a linear spectrum...and we're all on it. It's a myth that is easily debunked. Autism is a complex developmental presentation that involves persistent challenges across 7 different areas. They are:
All Autistic people are affected in one way or another in most or all of these areas - a spectrum of traits. Because the presentation of Autism varies from person to person in each of these areas, the saying "If you've met one person with Autism, you've met one person with Autism", certainly rings true.
Just because Autistic people have challenges in particular areas - doesn't mean that we need to see Autism as a deficit-based presentation. Autistic people have amazing strengths and talents including but not limited to:
- High level of attention to detail
- Hyperfocus on areas of passion
- Sophisticated pattern recognition
- High levels of empathy
- Logical and systematic thinking
On the Tue 2 April, take some time to consider the people you know in your lives with Autism and celebrate them. At Wantirna College - we celebrate and support all our students with Autism. We will continue to work to bring about a more Inclusive environment for you to learn in. Happy World Autism Awareness Day!
Tara Coombs, Year 7,
in collaboration with
Kylie Rackham
Leader of Inclusion