Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. Prevalence of individuals who are identified on the spectrum has greatly increased and why? Why have they been undervalued and what can be gained by tapping into their potential? How has the preference for verbal thinking skewed our perspective of intelligence and the ability of people to contribute to society? Temple Grandin wrote: “When we fail to encourage and develop the talents and skills of people who think in different ways, we fail to integrate ways of learning and thinking that benefit and enrich society.” (p. 5, Introduction to Visual Thinking, Temple Grandin)
People with ASD may often have different ways of learning, moving, paying attention and thinking. ASD traits can contribute to accomplishing great things as demonstrated by prominent individuals like Albert Einstein, Anthony Hopkins, Temple Grandin and many others. .
This 7 week SDG will begin an exploration of neurodiversity and an understanding of ASD and how diverse ways of thinking and learning by this uniquely human segment enrich society.
Plan for each hour complimenting the other as much as possible
Track 1 Understanding Autism (ASD) First Hour
Week 1 How do you get it? Neurodevelopment , fertilization and genetics
Week 2 Genetic factors , Incidence and Prevalence
Week 3 Cognition, Behavior , Socialization
Week 4 Speech and Communication Competencies
Week 5 Mental Health of Neurodiverse
Week 6 Education of the Neurodiverse
Week 7 Discussion about Valery and Emily’s book ,
( I Have Been Buried Under Years of Dust: A Memoir of Autism and Hope)
Track 2. Living on the Autism Spectrum Second Hour
Week 1 Classification and Symptoms of ASD
Week2 Trust Fear and Control
Week 3 Socialization
Week 4 Societal Effects : Autism in the workplace
Week 5 Temple Grandin and Visual Thinking (You tube video)
Week 6 Animal Therapy
Week 7 Emily Grodin and Valerie Gilpeer ”Finding your voice”
Core Books.
Uniquely Human, Barry M Prizant, abriged edition 2022
I have been buried for years in dust , Emily Grodin , Valerie Gilpeer
Resources: online visual and verbal as assigned and recommended