1. Autism Awareness Month
Fifth Grade Spirit Week 2017

2. Does Anyone Know What Autism Is?
According to is a mental condition, present from early childhood, characterized by difficulty in communicating and forming relationships with other people and in using language and abstract concepts.
Autism has many forms, therefore, it is commonly refered to as Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Autism is not a disease. It is a disorder. Diseases have a known cause, disorders for the most part do not.

3. This is a spectrum… Why would Autism Disorders be represnted on a spectrum?

4. Autism is represented on a spectrum because…
There are lots of different forms that autism can be present in people of all ages.

5. So Why Are We Learning About This?
Every year, the fifth grade participates in a fundraiser during Spirit Week. We not only show our School “Spirit” but we also show our “Spirit of Helping Others” less fortunate than ourselves.
Therefore this year, we are fundraising to donate to an organization called “Autism Speaks.”

6. What is Autism Speaks?

7. Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. from autismspeaks.org

8. History of Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright, grandparents of a child with autism. Recognizing the need for a powerful voice Bernie Marcus donated $25 million to help financially launch the organization.  

9. Autism Speaks Today Autism Speaks is dedicated to:
advancing research into causes and better treatments for autism spectrum disorders and related conditions
increasing understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorders
working toward solutions for the needs of individuals with autism and their families across the spectrum and lifespan through guidance and support

10. Our Chance to Play a Big Part in Change
April is Autism Awareness Month! So, we are fundraising for Autism Speaks!
We are asking all fifth grade students to bring in $5.00 (that’s one dollar per day) during Spirit Week.
Last year, the fifth grade raised over $850!
Let’s try to break that record this year!

11. Spirit Week Break Down Mirror Monday Wacky Wednesday
Team Tuesday Throwback to the 80’s Thursday

12. FREEDOM FRIDAY!