1. DON’T CARRY THE HILL, CLIMB IT!By
Remi Olutimayin
(Co-founder, RobuReed Incorporated)

2. The Autistic Spectrum
The range of disorders which could be categorised as types of autism usually by a group of three socially-related difficulties, communication, imagination and socialisation.

3. Autism: Some Facts And Fiction
It is a biological disorder
It is not confined to childhood
It is a developmental disorder which lasts throughout life
It is not always characterized by special, or “savant” skills
It is found at all IQ levels, but is commonly accompanied by general learning difficulties
It is not caused by “refrigerator parenting”.

4. Challenges
Some parents have not come to terms with certain realities about their children
Parents’ withdrawal from society for fear of stigmatization for them and their children
Some go through denial or blame themselves for not doing some things right
For poor families, costs for care and education for the child are high
Religious bias
Neglect leads to abandonment, rejection and illiteracy

5. What do autistic people want?
The right support at the right time
Choice and control
Meaningful activity and employment
Good health and emotional well-being
Inclusion in local communities
Acceptance and understanding

6. Spoken language tends to be abstract, transient and temporal.
People with autism are able to process information easier when it is visual and spatial.
Spoken language tends to be abstract, transient and temporal.
Written language can be abstract but is less transient.

7. Visual strategies help students:
learn more quickly
reduce aggressive or self-injurious behavior
decrease frustration and anxiety
learn to adjust to changes
complete tasks by themselves
gain independence
Visual strategies can benefit all students by enhancing student understanding.

8. Assisted technology is designed to help students who have learning disabilities and help them function in a classroom. These tools include any type of equipment or device (ipads, computerized learning aids and apps) that helps students compensate for their learning disabilities. To help them capitalize on their strengths and minimize their weaknesses. The following 5 are the most popular:

9. Electronic worksheets
Phonetic spelling software and apps (for those having difficulty with reading and writing)
Talking calculators
Variable speed recorders
Videotaped social skills (to help figure out normal social interactions)

10. Students may have difficulty with:
Auditory processing
Comprehending/remembering auditory information
Filtering out what information is important.
They may have a delay when processing oral information.
They tend to be very literal and concrete and have difficulty with sarcasm, innuendoes, jokes and double or hidden meanings.

11. These may be called “augmentative” or alternative communication - ACC.
Communication strategies may be needed to address deficits in receptive and/or expressive language skills.
These may be called “augmentative” or alternative communication - ACC.
Some types of ACC are:
Communication Boards -using objects, photos, pictures, symbols, words etc.
PECS - Picture Exchange Communication System
Voice Output Devices
Sign Language/Gestures

12. What needs to change? Better autism awareness within communities
More specialists involved in diagnosis
Better mental health support
Advocacy
Coaching and mentoring in support groups
Education of parent/caretakers in care of autistic child
Learning and Employment support for children