World Autism Month: 10 Facts About Autism By a Former Teacher With Asperger's Syndrome by Ann Marie Patitucci


World Autism Month: 10 Facts About Autism By a Former Teacher With Asperger's Syndrome

Chris Bonnello is a former teacher turned public speaker with Asperger's syndrome. And April is World Autism Month. 

Here are 10 of the 50 facts about autism he shared on his website AutisticNotWeird.com

  1. People affected by autism need support. Not judgment. 
  2. Autism awareness is one thing. Autism acceptance is another. 
  3. You definitely know at least one autistic person. Even if you don’t know you do. 
  4. Autism is not a disease … just like dyslexia isn’t a disease either. 
  5. Autism never "goes away" but the right support can make a whole world of difference. 
  6. If you assume that an autistic person won’t achieve something, it’s pretty much a self-fulfilling prophecy. Believe in them and watch what happens. 
  7. Nonverbal is not the same as having nothing to say. 
  8. Everyone on the autism spectrum is different. Because, you know, we’re people. 
  9. The world gets better for autistic people every time people listen to us, rather than simply talk about us.
  10. The world needs autistic perspectives. Human progress depends on diversity of thought.

For more about autism awareness, please visit autisticnotweird.com or their Facebook page Autistic Not Weird.

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Candy Stephens
My 16 year old son has Asperger's, and those who take the time to really know him are better for it! I am definitely checking out the website referenced. Those men who have learned to work around the unique obstacles Autism creates are a priceless inspiration to our teen guys (and their mamas)!
Beth Smith
Autism is not limited to males. Don't forget we autistic women and girls exist.
Elisa Schmitz
Excellent advice, Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead ! And thank you, Candy Stephens , for sharing. The more awareness we spread, the more accepting people will be!
Stephanie Cannoe
Thank you. My son was just diagnosed with Autism. Beautiful.
Heather Webb Coolbaugh
Thank you for sharing my daughter is Autistic. She has really taught ME so much in the past year. Believe in them and watch what happens...❤
Ann Marie Patitucci
I love that too, Heather Webb Coolbaugh! It's amazing what kids can accomplish when we just believe in them! <3
Erin Musto
Thank you for writing
Ann Marie Patitucci
Thank you for reading. :)
Jamie Martin
My son has high functioning Autism and is 13. I love that many people understand a bit about Autism now.

For clarification to those not in the know, Asperger's Syndrome is a diagnosis that recently was incorporated into Autism Spectrum Disorder. A person who had the diagnosis of Asperger's may be diagnosed with high functioning Autism now.
Ann Marie Patitucci
Thank you for sharing this with us, Jamie Martin !
Carolyn Zanta
Thank you for this post. I recently viewed the Temple Grandin movie which really brought to life the need for our society to listen to and value all perspectives. I think its from several years ago, but I highly recommend it.
Ann Marie Patitucci
Thanks, Carolyn. I've been meaning to watch it.
Molly Laird
Absolutely LOVE this. So important and so spot on
Ann Marie Patitucci
Thanks to all of you for your comments and for being part of our 30Seconds tribe!
Elisa Schmitz
This post is so important! We have to keep spreading the word to create greater awareness! Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead
Jessica Acree
Wonderful list and great tips. My daughter has a non-verbal child in her preschool class... I told her just today, that it doesn’t meant he doesn’t pay attention or that he doesn’t want to be included, he’s probably a great listener too ❤️
Ann Marie Patitucci
What a great lesson for your daughter, Jessica Acree !
Sarah Darrow
Wellll said! I love this and more people need to read this!
Ann Marie Patitucci
Thanks, Sarah Darrow ! I hope it helps to spread awareness!
Gwen Johnson
Every parent should read this, regardless if they have an autistic child or not.
TUNNEL VISION GOGGLES
Asperger's syndrome is an autistic disorder manifested by poor reciprocal interaction, inappropriate emotional expression, impaired nonverbal communication. Therefore it is important for teachers working in inclusive settings to become aware of the unique needs of these students.
Barry Humfrey Geraldton
Considerable weight has been placed on this post. We must keep raising people's consciousness by getting the message out!
Amanda Condio
My son is in the process of being diagnosed been on a waitlist for over 2 years, he is heading to middle school next year and I fear he won’t have the support he needs. Thanks for such a great article.
Julio Caro
Thanks For Sharing....

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