Autism Awareness Day

April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day! The CDSBEO strives to create a space where all people with autism can reach their full potential by increasing understanding, acceptance, and belonging.

To mark this important day the CDSBEO Special Education Department has distributed great resources that focus on sharing the stories and experiences of people with autism in our classrooms.

Dr. Temple Grandin is an inspiring author and speaker on autism, and for World Autism Awareness Day our classrooms tune in as Dr. Grandin talks about how her mind works – sharing her ability to “think in pictures,” helping her solve problems that neurotypical brains might miss. She makes the case that the world needs people on the autism spectrum: visual thinkers, pattern thinkers, verbal thinkers, and all kinds of smart geeky kids. Younger students are invited to check out Dr. Grandin’s book “The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin.”

In addition to the educational resources, the board is encouraging “Acts of Kindness” in our classrooms. Our partners at School Mental Health Ontario have provided activities to help students engage in more compassionate ways with each other and appreciate the value of helping others. Through acts of kindness, students can build more positive relationships with their classmates!

Learn more about these activities at smho-smso.ca.