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Yesterday our fifth grade students explored the concept that autism is a brain-based disability. Students learned that people with autism may have difficulties with social communication skills, the ways we interact and exchange ideas, as well as with sensory processing, or processing information through the five senses. The term spectrum is introduced so students understand that people with autism have a wide range of abilities. The unit emphasizes that each person with autism is unique, with both challenges and strengths.
Students participated in five station activities:
· cooperative puzzle and conversation activities that show how challenges in social communication can create difficulties in working with others
· an emotion charades activity that shows how the ability to read facial expressions and body language is important in understanding each other
· activities to simulate perseveration challenges
· sensory activities to demonstrate over stimulation throughout the school day
Students also watched a video about a group of students who have Asperger’s syndrome. These students talked about their interests and what it is like going to school.
For many students, the high point of each Understanding Our Differences unit is the trained and vetted speakers who share their personal experiences and answer the students' thoughtful questions about living with the disability they are studying. Nick, who has Asperger Syndrome shared is life story with the students. Enjoy the pics from this powerful day!
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