2023 Autism Awareness Month Spotlight

WHAT IS AUTISM

AUTISM, OR AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD), REFERS TO A BROAD RANGE OF CONDITIONS CHARACTERIZED BY CHALLENGES WITH SOCIAL SKILLS, REPETITIVE BEHAVIORS, SPEECH AND NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION.

We know that autism varies by subtype, with most being influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Because autism is a spectrum disorder, each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges. The ways in which people with autism learn, think, and problem-solve can range from highly skilled to severely challenged. Some people with ASD may require significant support in their daily lives, while others may need less support and, in some cases, live entirely independently.

Several factors may influence the development of autism, and it is often accompanied by sensory sensitivities and medical issues such as gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, seizures or sleep disorders, as well as mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression and attention issues.

SIGNS OF AUTISM

Signs usually appear by age 2 or 3. Some associated development delays can appear even earlier, and often, it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. Research shows that early intervention leads to positive outcomes later in life for people with autism.

In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association merged four distinct autism diagnoses into one umbrella diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). They included autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger Syndrome.

INCLUSION IS THE ONLY WAY FORWARD

APR-2023 IS AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH AND WE’D LIKE TO

Neurodiversity - Introduction to Neurodiversity 2.0

This course helps you understand that neurodiversity is a viewpoint that brain differences are normal, rather than deficits.

Learning objectives -

• Describe what neurodiversity is

• Explain why it’s important

• Understand different terminology

Duration - 10 minutes

Neurodiversity - Neurodiversity in the Workplace 1.0

This course will educate you on the strengths and challenges involved with being a neurodivergent person at work, and how other members of the team can best support them to thrive.

Learning objectives -

• Understand the benefits of a diverse workplace

• Understand the common strengths and challenges that neurodivergent people experience at work

• Know about the companies leading the change for inclusivity, and how they’re doing it

Duration - 10 minutes

Neurodiversity - Types of Neurodivergence 1.0

This course will outline some of the key characteristics and medical definitions of some of the more common neurodivergent conditions, while explaining that in spite of these conditions, no two people are exactly alike.

Learning objectives -

• Understand the relationship between neurodivergence and neurodiversity

• Explain the issues related to labelling

• Identify characteristics of some of the more common neurodivergent conditions

Duration - 15 minutes

Neurodiversity - Acknowledging Unique Abilities 1.0

This course has been designed to recognize the key positive impacts of supporting and enabling neurodivergent people to work to their unique strengths. It will also explain the ways organizations can identify and encourage their neurodivergent employees’ talents and skills.

Learning objectives -

• Define the professional and personal impacts of utilizing neurodiverse thinking styles

• Outline neurodivergent thinking styles by their common key strengths and abilities

• Describe ways to align work tasks and processes with the characteristics of different neurodivergent thinking styles

Duration - 10 minutes

Neurodiversity - Adaptations for a Neurodiverse Workplace 1.0

This course will cover the benefits of neurodiversity in your team, and how to make a welcoming and inclusive environment to support career growth for autistic candidates.

Learning objectives -

• Appreciate the benefits of a diverse-thinking team

• Rethink any negative language associated with neurodivergent conditions, such as autism

• Understand how to boost your workplace culture to be accommodating and inclusive

Duration - 10 minutes

…10 NEURODIVERSITY COURSES IN THE ASM

Neurodiversity - Autism at Work Program by SAP 1.0

This course provides an overview of the SAP’s Autism at Work program, including what it is, how it works and what it entails.

Learning objectives -

• Outline SAP’s Autism at Work program

• Explain what is involved

Duration - 7 minutes

Neurodiversity - Being an Inclusivity Ally for Autistic Colleagues 1.0

This course definitely can’t teach you everything about autism, but it can teach you the basics of how to be a great ally to your colleagues on the autism spectrum.

Learning objectives -

• Understand what ‘ally’ really means

• Know the behaviors of a great ally

• Have a better understanding of autism

Duration - 10 minutes

Neurodiversity - Disclosing Neurodivergence 1.0

Making an employer aware of specific needs and preferences is one way for neurodivergent professionals to fully ensure a workplace is an inclusive and accessible environment for all. This course explores how neurodivergent individuals can make this happen.

Learning objectives -

• Understand why disclosing neurodivergence matters

• Recognize how starting a dialogue with employers about neurodiversity can benefit you

• Understand best practice when communicating about your neurodivergence

Duration - 10 minutes

Neurodiversity - Interview and Selection 1.0

This course will help you to conduct an interview and selection process that will give everybody – the neurotypical and the neurodivergent - an opportunity to showcase their talents.

Learning objectives -

• Define neurodiverse hiring

• Explain why it’s important

• Outline the steps to neurodiverse hiring

Duration - 10 minutes

Neurodiversity - Providing Effective Feedback 1.0

Providing effective feedback is aimed at both neurotypical and neurodivergent employees, who need to understand the importance and practicalities of providing constructive feedback to individuals in sensitive yet effective ways.

Learning objectives -

• Define the reasons why communicating feedback must be accommodating of neurodiversity

• Distinguish effective approaches to providing feedback for all employees

• Understand how to communicate your preferences for receiving feedback

Duration - 10 minutes

SENSORY INCLUSIVE VENUES

April is World Autism Awareness Month. This month, we are sharing information about Autism to learn more as team members, both personally and professionally. As we aim to be a more accepting and inclusive organization, our goal is to raise awareness and walk the talk. We are excited to announce that many ASM Global venues are leading this charge by becoming sensory inclusive.

WHAT IS A SENSORY INCLUSIVE VENUE?

A sensory inclusive venue is committed to accepting and including all people, in particular taking steps to ensure that guests with sensory needs, including but not limited to Autism, a have a safe space to assist with sensory overload and regulation. Some our venues have been certified and they also offer sensory bags which are filled with items that lessen sensory overload and engage.

Sensory Bag items include:

ABOUT SENSORY BAGS

Sensory bags are designed to help sensory needs in both adults and children and are filled with items that can help lessen sensory overload.

For more info on sensory programs and kits visit:

www.kulturecity.org

www.friendlyaccesskits.com

We utilize Kulture City in our venue to assist us in our training and sensory needs. Our venue team has completed training for sensory needs, and we currently have 5+ sensory bags for guests to utilize for visit. We also have designated spaces and rooms throughout our convention center for those who require more of a quite space to achieve their health and wellness. Signs are located through the center to alert guests or these services. We, at the GCCC, pride ourselves in creating sensory accessibility and inclusion for all those who enter our venue. We understand that invisible disabilities are important too!

– Kasandra Cook, Human Resources Manager, - Greater Columbus Convention Center

ASM GLOBAL SENSORY INCLUSIVE VENUES:

In 2022, the Colorado Convention Center(CCC) became a Sensor Friendly Venue through Sensory City.  Sensory City is organization who’s focus is on making spaces friendly for individuals with sensory needs such as autism, PTSD, dementia and ADHD.  Staff are trained in recognizing guests with sensory issues and equipped with sensory kits to aide them.  In 2023, the CCC opened a Sensory Room to provide further relief for affected guests.  A sensory room is a space of any size, designed to help an individual with sensory processing disorder develop coping skills and regulate their brain’s response to stimuli. In some cases, a sensory space can be a whole room, or it can simply be a space set aside in a corner of a larger room.   The CCC’s sensory room is located in the front of the building and equipped with visual, tactile and sound calming devices to aide it’s guests.

11 THINGS NOT TO SAY TO SOMEONE WITH AUTISM

Although autism awareness and acceptance has increased over the years, people on the spectrum still find themselves faced with questions and comments that make them confused or uncomfortable at best, offended at worst. Those who say them often don’t mean to come across as rude or disrespectful; they just don’t know better or understand what others find hurtful. That’s why people on the spectrum have spoken out on this subject on blogs, videos, and more. Here’s what some of them wish they would stop hearing—and why.

“But you don’t look like you have autism.” Autism isn’t a disorder that has any sort of “look” to it. People with autism look just like everyone else!

“I’m sorry.”

Though it certainly comes with its unique challenges, many with autism do not view their disorder as a tragedy. In fact, many believe that’s part of what makes them who they are. Not to mention those on the spectrum often have wonderful strengths, or even advantages over neurotypicals, like attention to detail, genuineness, and fantastic memories.

“But you have a job/child/romantic relationship/ degree.”

Lydia Brown, a blogger on the spectrum, describes such statements as “ableist” (like sexist or racist but pertaining to different abilities). In reality, everyone with autism is different. Some need support for the rest of their lives and some are able to live independently and start a family. Autism alone does not define what someone can or cannot do…or will or will not do.

“Wait a minute. I know someone with autism, and you aren’t like them.”

I think purpleaspie put it best; this is like saying “‘I know a neurotypical…person, and you don’t act like he or she does.’” Because autism is a spectrum disorder, everyone with it is different, from their expressions of symptoms to their personalities.

“You must be really good at math/science/ computers.”

Nobody likes stereotypes, not even when they’re more “positive” like this one. Why? Because it can make people who don’t fit this mold feel inadequate. Again, everyone with autism is different and has different skills, abilities, talents, and likes or dislikes.

“You’re just saying you have autism so you can get away with being rude.”

Aside from the fact that this statement is rude in and of itself (oh, the irony!), it’s also untrue for most people on the spectrum. Those with ASD struggle socially because they don’t pick up on the cues neurotypicals inherently get, and as a result, they may come across as rude. This is not the intent for many, however, and if/when they do realize they offended someone, they are often apologetic.

“Please don’t flap/spin/rock/jump. It’s annoying/ embarrassing/distracting.”

Stimming is a common and harmless way for people with autism to deal with too much or too little sensory information. Much like the nervous habits of neurotypicals, it helps keep anxiety and emotions in check. That being said, many people on the spectrum want society to accept stimming in the same way it accepts habits like foot tapping.

“Oh! So you’re like Rain Man?”

This one’s in the same vein as number 5.

“If you really want to annoy [people with autism], compare us to Rain Man,” Nicholas Fearn wrote in a Buzzfeed article. Savants are pretty rare, only making up about 10 percent of the autism community. And as Jeanette Purkis puts it, “Intellect is not much of a measure of someone’s value.”

“Does that mean you’re [r-word]?”

Whoa, nelly! First of all, many differently-abled people would love to see the “r” word eliminated from the English language altogether. While once a legitimate medical term to describe those with intellectual disabilities, it’s now outdated and incredibly hurtful. Amythest Schaber, a YouTuber with autism, calls this word a slur, and the organization R-Word calls it hate speech.

Second of all, more than half of people with autism have an average or above average IQ. Of course, people with intellectual disabilities are just as valuable and worthy of love as everyone else, but it’s simply not true to say that autism equals intellectual disability.

“So what’s it like to have autism?”

This one seems genuine and innocuous, but some on the spectrum don’t feel comfortable being asked this, and many don’t really understand the question or know how to reply. Kerry Magro, a speaker and author on the spectrum, says, “I’m just who I am. Autism is a part of who I am in many ways and my experience will vary completely to the next person you will meet on the spectrum.” Or put another way: how can you explain something if that’s all you know?

A better question is one that’s more specific: for example, “What are the unique challenges you face as a person with autism?” Keep in mind, however, that such questions may be more appropriate for people you’ve known for a while.

[Nothing. Directs questions/comments to friend/ caregiver/family member, even though the person on the spectrum is present.]

Being talked around is a universally hurtful experience, whether a person is neurotypical or has autism. It’s invalidating. Whether intentional or not, it nonverbally says “Your thoughts don’t matter to me” or “I can’t trust your input on this.” Yes, it is true that some on the spectrum are nonspeaking, but many of them can still communicate. It’s best to assume a person with autism can and will answer you before turning to someone else. And even if they can’t answer you, they can probably understand you, so watch your words around their caregiver, family, or friends!

SECOND OF ALL, MORE THAN HALF OF PEOPLE WITH AUTISM HAVE AN AVERAGE OR ABOVE AVERAGE IQ.