What is autism?
Autism describes differences in the ways an individual processes and expresses information, sensations, and emotions. We understand autism as a neurotype- a way to describe how someone learns about, perceives, and expresses themselves to the world around them.
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1 in 36 children are identified as autistic according to the CDC.
Between 25%-30% of autistic children are nonspeaking.
What needs to change?
Perception
Throughout history, autism has been viewed as a deficit, and treatments were designed to make autistic people look more like their typical peers. Beginning in the 1980s, autistic adults began advocating for a change in how society perceives autism.
Understanding
Autistic students are misunderstood, underestimated, and often traumatized in schools. Many popular “autism treatments” seek to change traits that are inherently autistic, with the goal of making autistic students learn and behave like neurotypical peers. This can lead to masking, shutdown, and anxiety.
Support
When provided with understanding and appropriate supports, autistic students thrive. We believe that the world will be a better place if it accepting and affirming for autistic individuals. This starts with changing the way we treat autistic children.
When provided with understanding and appropriate supports, autistic students thrive. We believe that the world will be a better place if it accepting and affirming for autistic individuals. This starts with changing the way we treat autistic children.
Facts about autistic children
Autistic children are more likely to be restrained and secluded in schools than non-autistic students.
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is still widely recommended for autistic children, despite research linking ABA therapies to trauma and PTSD in the autistic population.
The vast majority of autistic adults recommend against current practices used with autistic children.
How we can help
Autism Included was founded to support autistic children. We do this by advocating for a safe and supportive culture, providing autism-affirming services, and facilitating culture change to make the world a place in which autistic children can thrive.