Resources on Autism
Clinical Services Corner
Sue Urban, RN, Director of Clinical Services
This year one of our goals is to get out information to staff that is educational as well as valuable for the work we all do. Given the work we do, understanding Autism is important in order to provide true partnering with an individual and their families. This article will link you to films that provide insight into Autism from the eyes of families, advocates and individuals that have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD.
The umbrella term, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a general term that covers conditions such as autism, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger syndrome. Core symptoms include a variable mixture of impaired capacity for social interaction, verbal communication, non-verbal communication and repetitive behaviors. Autism is not a disease, just a different “way of being” based on one’s neuro make-up.
The intent of this education is not to stereotype individuals as a diagnosis can’t define someone, merely to help us understand the “why” someone may need additional support.
Here are some films that are available on Netflix that are films and documentaries on ASD:
http://www.autismspeaks.org/news/news-item/5-autism-films-netflix
If you do not have Netflix, another film (one of my favorite films) is a documentary that can be purchased on Amazon entitled “Autism is a World” and is the story of Sue Rubin. Sue’s story is very powerful and this film has won many awards. The film takes you into Sue’s world and through her daily life. You can also watch the film on YouTube in 5 parts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGUKfNXRz1E
More to come in April during Autism Awareness Month.
Resources www.autismspeaks.org; http://nationalautismassociation.org/; http://www.autism-help.org/points-autism-rights-movement.htm
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