By including children with different learning abilities in mainstream and specialized schools, we can change attitudes and promote respect. By creating suitable jobs for adults with autism, we integrate them into society.
To measure the success of our societies, we should examine how well those with different abilities, including persons with autism, are integrated as full and valued members.
I treasure my meetings with individuals affected by autism - parents, children, teachers and friends. Their strength is inspiring. They deserve all possible opportunities for education, employment and integration.
Schools connect children to their communities. Jobs connect adults to their societies. Persons with autism deserve to walk the same path.
My mom was a special-needs teacher for many years, so I knew her students. And one of my best friends from when I was growing up is a teacher for kids with autism now.
Most people think that it would be hard to be on a set or act for people with autism. But when you think about it, most people with autism use a script in their daily life to communicate in social situations, like at a restaurant, or you know, with a day-to-day conversation.
I've learned that it comes in so many different shapes and sizes, and that communities with autism are extremely supportive of one another.
People with autism are extremely good at working... in a scripted environment, because that's how they live their lives a lot of the time.
We wear 'Autism' on our shorts to raise awareness and show support for other families dealing with autism.
Society and government at all levels - the state level, the local level and, of course, the federal level - really needs to redouble its efforts if we're really going to make a difference in combating autism.
