Raise Awareness with Students - Autism Society of Greater Akron

IDEAS FOR RAISING AUTISM AWARENESS IN YOUR SCHOOL
Here is a list of activities your school can do to raise awareness and acceptance of Autism
Spectrum Disorders.
Help us raise awareness and financial support for your local affiliate of the Autism Society:
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Be a TEAM CAPTAIN at Akron’s Autism 5k Run and Walk on June 18, at Lock 3,
Downtown Akron (go to www.akronautism5kandwalk.org for more information)
Participate in CHANGE FOR CHANGE for the month of April
Attend or volunteer at one of the local events happening in April
Post facts about autism on large puzzle pieces around the school or talk about them in the
morning announcements:
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1 in 68 kids have autism
More boys than girls are born with autism
Autism is a disability that makes it hard to talk to other kids
Having autism makes it hard to know how to play with other kids
Something like lights and noises bother some kids with autism more than they might
bother you
Everyone is different, being different is not a bad thing, we are all different
Kids with autism look just like you and I do
Kids with autism like to have friends they just don’t know how to make them as easy as
you do
Kids with autism have feelings just like you and I do
Post things that kids can do on large puzzle pieces (template in packet) around the school:
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Learn about kids with autism
Talk to your parents about autism
Say hi to kids with autism
Be a good role model and defend them against bullies
Invite a friend with autism to play or to your birthday party
Sit with a friend with autism at lunch
Put on the Puzzle! The Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon is the most recognized symbol of the
autism community in the world. To purchase the Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon for your
shirt, car, locker or refrigerator, email us [email protected].
IDEAS FOR RAISING AUTISM AWARENESS IN YOUR SCHOOL – Page 2
Ask the School Library to set books about Autism out on display through April
Elementary School Students
Andy and His Yellow Frisbee by Mary Thompson
Russell is Extra Special by Charles Amenta, III
Captain Tommy by Abby Ward Messner
My Best Friend Will by Jamie Lowell and Tara Tuchel
Ian's Walk-A Story about Autism by Laurie Lears and Karen Ritz
The Autism Acceptance Book by Ellen Sabin
Tobin Learns to Make Friends by Diane Murrell
Taco's Anyone by Marvie Ellis and Jenny Loehr
Keisha's Doors by Marvie Ellis
Nobody Knew What to Do: A Story about Bullying by Becky McCain
A is for Autism by Jennifer Bloink
Middle-High School Students
Of Mice and Aliens by Kathy Hoopman
Buster and the Amazing Daisy by Nancy Ogaz
Lisa and the Lace Maker by Kathy Hoopman
Wishing on the Midnight Star by Nancy Ogaz
Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night by Mark Haddon
A Spot of Bother by Mark Haddon
Clay by Colby Rodowsky
Haze by Kathy Hoopman
To OZ and Back: A Bones and Duchess Mystery by Alexandra Eden
A Wizard Alone: The Sixth Book in the Young Wizards Series by Diane Duane
The Wright and Wong Mystery Series by Laura J. Burns and Melinda Metz
Tips for Being a Friend to Someone with Autism
Celebrating National Autism Awareness Month
Understanding autism starts at a young age, and there is no greater place than the classroom to
start. Understanding autism and how to interact with people with autism comes from being
exposed to them, and being taught how to treat and talk to someone with autism. Children
naturally want to be helpful. Give them that opportunity by encouraging them to be a buddy to
someone with autism. It is up to teachers and parents to teach children about differences,
acceptance, and understanding. Here are some ideas on how to get started.
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People are born with autism and while they look just like you and me, autism changes the
way their brain works.
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Some people with autism talk and others do not. Just because they cannot talk doesn’t
mean they don’t have anything to say.
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Nobody knows what causes autism, but we do know that a person with autism will always
have autism.
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Kids with autism are the same as other kids in a lot of ways. They like birthdays, swimming,
and having friends.
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Being kind and compassionate is one of the best things you can do to help someone with
autism.
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Here are a few ways to be a friend:
o Playing games they like to play.
o Talking to them like you would any other kid.
o Giving them a high five when you’re having fun!
o Sitting next to them in the lunchroom.
o Visiting them at their house.
o Inviting them to your house.
o Show them what to do so they can imitate you.
o Being a buddy to them on the playground.
o Walking with them to the next class.
o Supporting them with kindness and understanding.
o That’s awesome! Thank you!
CHANGE FOR CHANGE
This April, the Autism Society Greater Akron is asking schools across our service territory to join
us in making Change for Autism. Join our efforts to educate students about Autism while
simultaneously raising money for the Autism Society Greater Akron!
How can you get involved?
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Contact the Autism Society Greater Akron to let us know your school plans to
participate.
Share facts about Autism throughout the month of April (included with this letter).
Collect containers (like empty milk jugs) for each classroom to hold change.
Spread the word and start collecting spare change throughout the month of April.
When your collections are complete, count your change and report your totals back to
the Autism Society Greater Akron.
The school that raises the most money will win a pizza party for the top 3 classrooms! All
participating schools will be entered in a drawing to win two free registrations to the Autism
Summit Conference being held on Friday, November 4, 2016.
Name of School ________________________________________________________________
Address of School _______________________________________________________________
Number of Students ____________________________________________________________
Number of Classrooms __________________________________________________________
Contact Person ________________________________________________________________
Phone _____________________________ Email ___________________________________
Please send completed forms to:
Autism Society Greater Akron
701 S. Main Street
Akron, OH 44311
Email: [email protected]
AUTISM
FRIEND
PUZZLE
UNDERSTAND
AWARNESS
FUN
RIBBON
CLASSROOM
INCLUDE
SUPPORT
THE MEANING OF THE RIBBON
The puzzle pattern reflects the
mystery and complexity of the
autism spectrum.
The different colors and shapes
represent the diversity of the
people and families living with the
condition.
The brightness of the ribbon
signals hope—hope that through
increased awareness of autism,
and through early intervention and
appropriate treatments, people
with autism will lead fuller, more
complete lives.
Have students write what they
know about autism or how they
think they could be a friend to a
student with autism.
Since the 1970’s, the Autism Society has been celebrating National Autism Awareness Month (NAAM) to highlight
the growing need for concern and awareness about autism. The United States recognizes April as a special
opportunity to educate the public about autism and issues within the autism community.
JOIN US IN APRIL AT A LOCAL CELEBRATION!
April – All Month
West Side Bakery ▪ Fairlawn & Green Locations
Purchase a puzzle piece cookie with $1.40 donated to ASGA.
April – All Month
Lids Stores ▪ Summit Mall, Chapel Hill Mall & Belden Village
Round up the change on your purchase at the store or buy any piece of apparel
with a puzzle piece design and $7 goes back to ASGA.
April – All Month
Harley-Davidson Demo For A Cause ▪ Rubber City at 1120 Main Street, Cuyahoga
Falls ▪ Adventure at 1465 ST RT 39 NW, Dover
$10 donated to the Autism Society for each motorcycle demo.
April – All Month
Autism Awareness Displays ▪ Akron-Summit County Public Library System
All branches have displays so stop in to discover books, DVDs, and other resources.
April 2 – 10am to 4pm
Crafty Mart Mom & Pop Shoppe ▪ Downtown Akron
Visit 70 local artists and crafters at these downtown locations: Akron Art Museum,
Summit Art Space and Akron Main Library. Raffle proceeds benefit ASGA.
April 5 - 6:30 to 8:30pm
The Barrel Room Wine Tasting ▪ 7901 Cleveland Avenue NW, North Canton
Taste and learn about 4 wines and wineries, $12 per person, $2 goes to ASGA plus
10% of all retail sales.
April 5 – All Day
The District Boutique ▪ 3875 Massillon Road, Uniontown
Make a purchase on Share the Love Tuesday with 20% of all sales on this day
donated to ASGA.
April 23 – 10am to 4pm
Adventure Harley-Davidson Cookout ▪ 1465 State Route 39 NW, Dover OH
Celebrate autism with us! Enjoy hot dogs and hamburgers, chips and drinks for a
small donation. All proceeds benefit ASGA.
April 26 – 4:30 to 6:30pm
Change for Change Hosted by Russell M. Pry ▪ Rockne’s Pub Merriman Road
An after-work event with all tips collected going to ASGA.
REGISTER NOW for Akron’s Autism 5k Run and Walk on June 18th at www.AkronAutism5kandWalk.org
701 S. Main Street  Akron, OH 44311  (P) 330.940.1441  [email protected]
Serving Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit and Wayne Counties
Upcoming
Events
Facing Autism Together!
Who We Are / What We Do
The Autism Society of Greater Akron is committed to improving
the lives of those affected by autism in Summit, Medina,
Portage, Wayne and Stark counties. We are here to help those
living with autism today maximize their quality of life and are
committed to providing support, service, and guidance to those
impacted by autism in our community. This includes family
members, educators, and other professionals who support
those with autism.
iCan Bike Camp
July 11-15
Copley High School
Mar 2016 Edition
Become a
Friend of ASGA
Support Our Work. Support Our Community.
Becoming a Friend of the Autism Society of Greater Akron
(ASGA) supports the organization's ongoing work right here in
the Greater Akron area.
Receive a car magnet (above) and special discounts to our
activities and programs!
Join Today at AutismAkron.org - Get Involved
5-day camp teaching those with different abilities to ride a
bike independently. 40 Participants and 80 Volunteers
needed. Email [email protected] to register a
camper or volunteer. REGISTRATION OPENS MAY 1st.
Visit AutismAkron.org for More Details
REGISTER NOW
Begins April 10th
A new educational series to build social skills, interaction
with peers, and recreational and leisure activities, while
exploring community-based activities. Six-week series open
to “transition youth” - teens and young adults, ages 14-24.
Visit AutismAkron.org for Registration Details
Coffee, Tea & Autism
Peer-to-Peer Support Group
Led by Volunteer Facilitators living the
autism journey themselves.
Groups now available in Fairlawn,
Kent, Medina, North Canton,
Ravenna, Uniontown and Wadsworth.
Info at AutismAkron.org - Support
ONLINE REGISTRATION IS OPEN
JUNE 18 ~ LOCK 3
5k Run & Walk Starts at 9 AM
$35 Fee includes t-shirt & cool socks
Fun Walk Starts at 9:15 AM
No Fee ● Donations Help Continue Our Programs!
(raise $50 for t-shirt, $100 gets you socks too!)
NEW – Virtual Participant
$40 Fee includes t-shirt & cool socks mailed to you
You pick the time and place to run or walk!
Food & Entertainment ▪ Activities for the Kids
Awards by Age Group ▪ Prizes for Top Fundraisers
REGISTER NOW
AkronAutism5kandWalk.org
701 S. Main Street  Akron, OH 44311  330.940.1441  www.AutismAkron.org