@KerryMagro. We must turn autism awareness into. autism acceptance. Autism Awareness Month doesn t stop in April for those in our autism community.

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4 We must turn autism awareness into Autism Awareness Month doesn t stop in April for those in our autism community. Regardless of autism or not.. autism acceptance STRETCH THESE KIDS Contact me anytime to keep the dialogue going!

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6 What you need to know about autism 1 in 68 (1% U.S. Population) Over 3.5 million 1 in 45 boys 1 in 189 girls Over 70 million people worldwide Cost a family an average of $60,000 a year across the child s lifespan No medical detection or cure for autism Over 500,000 children will reach adulthood within the next decade. 35% of people with autism will not go to college 90% unemployed or underemployed 63% of children with autism are bullied 81% of adults with autism still live with their families

7 My diagnosis Non-verbal till I was 2.5 Diagnosed w PDD-NOS-at 4 Speech delay, expressive and receptive language disorder, Severe sensory integration dysfunction, auditory processing disorder, twirling, dysgraphia, motor challenges Emotional issues throughout adolescence due to limited speech

8 Starting school Dealt with severe sensory integration difficulties. Was asked to leave 2 different schools because they said they didn t know how to control me. Re-diagnosed at that age to see if I had an emotional disorder which would explain my behavior.

9 Public school Multi-handicapped setting for K through 1 st grade Moved to three different schools in different parts of town Given three different classifications Multi-handicapped (K-1) Neurologically impaired (2,3) Perceptually impaired (4) Some teachers highly trained, other substitutes Bullied for being different. Didn t have the ability to defend myself due to my social delays. Fell into a depression that impacted my grades.

10 Positive reinforcement plays a big part in our development Starts with our parents and works it s way to our teachers. You are in the fish bowl! Your actions can be seen by your loved ones. Christopher Ulmer 26-year-old teacher from Florida who spends first 10 minutes of each day with his special need students telling them what they do well.

11 The transition Parents fought to get me an out of district placement Paid out of pocket for 3 years while suing our district transported me for 9 years to and from school Without them and their support I wouldn t be talking here today

12 Telling someone they have autism The decision to tell someone who is unaware of their disability must be treated with care Was told I had autism at 11.5 but wouldn t really learn what autism was till I was in High School Advice: Make sure to keep love in the room and tell them at least the definition of what autism is as early as 6-8 years old

13 Finding my balance in middle school and high school Made my first friends 8:1 student teacher ratio vs. 25:1 in public school Found my niche in basketball and theater which became part of my therapies Realized my first dream of going to college

14 Post-Secondary IEP to Reasonable Accommodations Self-Advocacy continued Extended time on tests Note taker for all my classes Found my niche by joining school clubs related to my major (making friends) Went for my Masters in Strategic Communication and Leadership. Got accepted into Doctoral school at NJCU which is starting this Summer.

15 What got me to where I am We need to teach the way these children learn Getting involved with theater to build on communication and understanding others perspectives. Social story therapy, visual schedules, self-reflection exercises. today

16 7 things you can do to help our autism community TODAY! Each school, from Pre-K to Postsecondary has an allocated budget for paraprofessional and school-related events! Have guest speakers talk at your schools to educate on autism and other special needs. Inclusion, inclusion, inclusion! Take the time to get to know from people who have autism and their stories. Temple Grandin Stephen Shore Carly Fleischmann Alexis Wineman Me!

17 7 things you can do to help our autism community TODAY! Learn the early signs of autism and pass them along in your communities! You can see signs of autism as early as 6 months and get a diagnosis as early as 18 months. Early intervention is the key. 100 Day Tool Kit Autismspeaks.org/toolkits Early Signs Autismspeaks.org/signs Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (18 to 30 months of age) (M-CHAT)

18 7 things you can do to help our autism community TODAY! Look to your local legislators to become autism champions. Find out their rights to insurance coverage of services Educate our educators! School community tool kit Autismspeaks.org/toolkits

19 7 things you can do to help our autism community TODAY! Make our communities understand that autism is a lifelong disorder. Children with autism will grow up and we need to be ready for them. Housing autismspeaks.org/family-services/ Postsecondary Autismcollege.com Employment TheSpectrumCareers.com Relationships Autism and Falling in Love (Available on Amazon)

20 7 things you can do to help our autism community TODAY! Join a community service based event focused on autism in your hometown. Autismspeakswalk.org Establish your village. Connect with the people you meet today and become a support system to one another. Those will be the best supports you can give yourself for your child.

21 My Name is Kerry and I Have KERRYMAGRO.COM

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