| 3. I understand that autism is a disability, but, what, really | | | | example. However, if your child is walking toward the |
| is autism? | | | | fence s/he may actually touch it, not realizing or |
| If your child has autism her/his brain has a difficult time | | | | understanding the shock that will be experienced |
| of making sense of our world. Processing information | | | | because the brain has not made any type of |
| is extremely difficult. For example, you hear a siren on | | | | interpretation. |
| a police car roaring by your house. You immediately | | | | If your child has autism s/he may be a high achiever or |
| understand there is some kind of an emergency. You | | | | a low achiever depending on the severity of the |
| may not know if it is a fire truck, a police car or an | | | | disability and this is caused by the autism. Although you |
| ambulance; however, you know there is a problem. | | | | will receive a different answer, from different people |
| Your child's brain does not interpret this so s/he hears | | | | when asked what this disability is – put simply |
| a loud noise that really hurts his/her ears. Your child | | | | autism is considered a lifelong developmental disability. |
| may cover his/her ears due to the discomfort it | | | | This causes the autistic child to have a different way |
| causes. | | | | of seeing, hearing, and feeling things. Autism generally |
| The same is true for what your child may see. Most | | | | causes difficulties with social interaction and |
| children will realize not to touch an electric fence, for | | | | communication. |