Broadcaster Press 13 August 7, 2018 www.broadcasteronline.com Myths And Misconceptions About Autism Spectrum Disorder Autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, is a class of neurological conditions present from early childhood and is often identified through difficulty communicating, using language and understanding abstract concepts. The organization Autism Speaks says that an estimated one out of 42 boys and one in 189 girls are diagnosed with autism in the United States. Autism is now diagnosed in roughly one out of every 68 children in Canada, and has become the fastest growing and most commonly diagnosed neurological disorder in that country. ASD is estimated to affect tens of millions of people worldwide. But even though ASD is widely recognized, studied and discussed, myths and misconceptions about the disorder continue to circulate. Shedding light on how ASD can help caregivers, peers and anyone who routinely interacts with individuals who fall on the spectrum. ASD is not a single disorder. Although autism and ASD are often used interchangeably, these names do not define one specific disorder. ASD is now an umbrella term that includes autism, Asperger syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, and Rett syndrome. ASD is often perceived through communication deficits that can include misinterpreted or nonverbal interactions. Individuals also may have challenges in bonding/friendship development. People with ASD can understand and express emotion. Although communication troubles may be present, those with ASD can and do feel emotions. But they may not be able to express these emotions the same way as others do. Also, just because someone has ASD doesn’t mean he or she is unable to understand the emotions of others. Rather, the person may need firm and direct indications of how another person is feeling to understand. Reading body language or tone of voice alone may be inadequate to someone with ASD. School-aged children can learn from this, recognizing that someone with ASD may want to have friends and socialize, but he or she may not know how to facilitate these engagements. ASD does not produce carbon-copy symptoms Characteristics of ASD can vary widely from person to person. One person’s limitations may not be present in another. ASD is not just a children’s disease. There is no cure for ASD, and symptoms may not be reversible, which means that autism is a lifelong condition. Children who are diagnosed will grow into young people and adults with autism. Many treatments and therapies are geared toward early intervention, but adults can benefit from continued work as well. Adults with ASD can be successful and live independent lives. Autism spectrum disorder is more prevalent than ever. However, despite the recognition of ASD, many people do not understand the nuances involved with a diagnosis. Organized Lockers Keep Students On Track School is often a student’s home away from home. Spending an average of six hours per day and five days a week, 10 months a year in the classroom or on campus, students may feel as though they spend more time roaming school grounds than they do relaxing at home. Lockers can be havens for students, giving them a place to store supplies and personal items and meet up with friends each day. Organized lockers may help students handle all of their responsibilities more capably. Developing organizational habits early on is a worthwhile lesson for students, helping them avoid tardiness and keep their assignments in order. Students typically keep a number of items in relatively small lockers, which only makes it Vermillion more challenging to stay organized. The following tips can help students stay organized this school year. • Make the most of locker space. Space is limited, but with some additions, lockers can be that much more functional. Insert a removable shelf to double the space available. Metal shelves are preferable, but adjustable plastic ones can be effective if they aren’t overloaded. Install adhesive hooks on the door or an inside wall of the locker to hang clothing, bags and more. Invest in hooks that can hold a lot of weight. • Organize books by class. Keep books organized by class schedule so that books can be grabbed quickly during period changes. Put folders and notebooks with the textbooks so that all related items will be together. • Add some personality. The Container Store suggests adding color and function with magnetic accessories to liven up the space. Dry-erase calendars, pencil/pen containers, a mirror, cubbies for notes and other tools, and magnetic picture frames are some ideas. • Keep on top of trash. Routinely clean out the locker if things become unruly. Tucking a small waste pail in the bottom of the locker can be handy for taming garbage. Otherwise, periodically clean your locker during after-school hours, emptying it of old assignments and taking clothes home for laundering. Keeping an organized locker can help students thrive in the classroom. Metro Creative Connection A+ 525 W. Cherry St. 605-624-5574 Your 24 Hour Grocery Store Metro Creative Connection Make Sure to Schedule Your Child’s Dental Check Up Before School Starts Wake up with Corner of W. Cherry & Stanford 605-624-8050 Convenience at your back door - 24/7 Hot Coffee • Hot Chocolate • Lattee’s • Juice • Pop • Breakfast Pizza • Breakfast Sandwiches • other great Breakfast snacks Or try one of our energy drinks morning, noon or afternoon to keep you going Dental cleanings and exams are important for kids’ smiles, especially before starting a new school year! Dr. Matthew Knutson Dr. Richard Knutson 605-624-6291 www.KnutsonFamilyDentistry.com