Fun Ways to Promote Autism Awareness

Did you know that April is Autism Awareness Month? That’s good news for us because it means we can have a presence in our workplaces and promote what we do. Let’s face it: because autism is so closely tied to deficits in communication, SLPs know a little about this topic.

 

Here are some fun ways to promote it this month (without making a whole bunch of extra work for you).

 

1. Place an autism awareness handout in your teachers’ mailboxes.

 

Here’s one that I love from The Speech Bubble

 

 

And here’s another one to help increase sensitivity from Speak Listen Play.

 

 

If you want to get your teachers’ attention, attach a piece of candy along with your handout. It could be anything (who doesn’t like chocolate?) but I found these adorable autism suckers from the Oriental Trading Company. 55 suckers for $5.50!

 

 

 

2. Jamberry has some fun autism awareness nails going on right now. I’ve been sporting mine all week and love the way they look! And…if you check out this site, a few blogger friends are supporting Juvenile Arthritis with the proceeds!

 

 

3. Bake some cookies for your staff! Who doesn’t love cut-out cookies?! With this adorable puzzle cookie cutter from Autism Speaks and a “Thank you for Supporting Autism!” sign, your staff will love you.

 

 

4. If your school has morning announcements, make a 2-3 minute video promoting autism. I use the curriculum Superflex for my 3rd grade social group and we made a video explaining who Superflex was and what the terms “flexible thinking” and “social smarts” were. Then, we aired it on our morning announcements. It was fabulous! Even my kiddos with autism were so excited to see themselves on the screen! I so wish I could show you (because they did an awesome job) but I can’t for confidentially reasons =(.

 

 

5. And… of course, make a point to target social skills this month. Even with kiddos who don’t have pragmatic language goals, a little social tip here and there never hurt anyone.

 

Here are some great ideas and products out there:

 

 

• The Hidden Curriculum-perfect for teaching those “not so obvious” social norms.

 

 

 

• Super Social Skills-great lessons including social stories and posters for your groups.

 

 

 

• Social Skills Breaks-perfect for providing a quick exit activity at the end of every session!