Top Ten Things to Know About People with Autism
Noted USF Autism Expert Advises Understanding and Openness
Upcoming Events
TAMPA, Fla. (April 1, 2008) - Autism Awareness Month
<http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer> and the first year for
the United Nations'-declared World Autism Day
<http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2007/gashc3899.doc.htm> inspired the
team at the University of South Florida Center for Autism and Related
Disabilities <http://card-usf.fmhi.usf.edu/> to help educate the public
about the people who live with this health issue.
"Autism need not get in the way of rewarding relationships," said USF
CARD Director Karen Berkman. "Understanding the key differences and
needs of people with Autism and the related conditions can help us move
past whatever obstacles might arise. The thing to remember is that they
are individual people first."
TOP 10 Things you need to know about people with Autism
* Individuals with Autism ultimately desire what we all desire:
choice and control in their lives, valued social roles, and to
contribute to their community
* Individuals with Autism often exhibit differences in their
communication
* Individuals with Autism often exhibit differences in their
social interaction
* Individuals with Autism often exhibit persistence in their
thoughts, interests, activities, and/or behaviors
* Individuals with Autism often learn best when using visual
supports and hands-on experiences
* People with Autism teach you to open your mind and think outside
of the box
* People with Autism want friends, fun activities and meaningful
work, just like all of us
* Children and adults with Autism can learn new skills with
specific teaching strategies
* Individuals with Autism are lovable human beings
* The tendency of many individuals with autism spectrum disorders
to engage in restricted interests and activities need not always be a
limitation. Sometimes it is possible push through the initial
resistance to new things and find out that the person can actually enjoy
a new food, a new form of entertainment, a new restaurant, or a new toy;
or he or she might excel in a new skill or a new responsibility. The
use of a little creative thinking, some visual strategies,
pre-preparation, gentle persistence, and appropriate reinforcement can
lead to some amazing results.
The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities
<http://card-usf.fmhi.usf.edu/> at USF is a community-based project
that provides information and consultation to individuals diagnosed with
autism spectrum disorders and related disabilities. CARD-USF offers
instruction and coaching to families and professionals through a
training and assistance model.
In honor of Autism Awareness month, CARD is hosting a number of events
and activities. Please call CARD for more information or to register
for any of these events or workshops:
* April 2 - 5:30 p.m. The Autism Community Leadership Award
Reception will be held at the Marriott Waterside Tampa in celebration of
a partnership to build a community of inclusion. The event will
highlight the shared values and common vision of the USF Center for
Autism and Related Disabilities and the City of Tampa Parks and
Recreation Department
<http://www.tampagov.net/dept_parks_and_recreation/index.asp> . The
Mayor's Office will read a Proclamation and awards will be given to
several staff in the Parks and Recreation Department for implementing
inclusive recreation programs.
* April 5 - 10 a.m. CARD is hosting a free workshop, Reading for
ALL: Autism, Literacy and Learning at USF. The Junior League of Tampa
<http://www.jltampa.org/tampa/index.jsp> is sponsoring the event which
will be led by Dr. Sylvia Diehl of USF's Department of Communication
Sciences and Disorders. Registration is required:
http://card-usf.fmhi.usf.edu/ or call (813) 974-2532.
* April 18 - Fiesta by the Bay hosted by Gaspar's Grotto
<http://www.gasparsgrotto.com/> in Ybor City, Tampa is CARD's annual
fundraiser. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and admission is $25 in advance or
at the door. Contact Christine Rover at CARD for additional information
(813) 974-9264 or crover@fmhi.usf.edu.
* April 22 - 7:30 p.m. Early Signs of Autism will be the topic of
a free presentation by CARD Consultant, Neill Broderick, at the Upper
Tampa Bay Regional Library <http://www.uppertampabaylibrary.org/> ,
11211 Countryway Blvd.
* April 25 - 6:30 p.m. Kaleisia Tea Lounge
<http://www.thetealounge.com/> located at Fletcher Ave. in Tampa is
hosting a viewing of the film, Autism is a World. CARD will lead a
discussion of the film and information about autism will be available
after the film.
For more information please visit: http://card-usf.fmhi.usf.edu/ or call
(813) 974-2532.
The University of South Florida is among the nation's top 63 public
research universities and one of 39 community engaged public
universities as designated by the Carnegie Foundation for the
Advancement of Teaching. It is one of Florida's top three research
universities. USF was awarded more than $300 million in research
contracts and grants last year. The University offers 219 degree
programs at the undergraduate, graduate, specialist and doctoral levels,
including the doctor of medicine. The University has a $1.8 billion
annual budget, an annual economic impact of $3.2 billion, and serves
more than 45,000 students on campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg,
Sarasota-Manatee and Lakeland. USF is a member of the Big East Athletic
Conference. |
