Autism Toolkit of Georgia
Autism Toolkit of Georgia
Worship services can be a special time. People often leave feeling happy, connected, and stronger in their faith. The music, the chance to talk with friends and family, and the uplifting messages bring people together. But for autistic people, these same services can sometimes feel stressful or overwhelming. Bright lights, loud sounds, strong smells, and crowded rooms can create anxiety instead of peace.View Resource
Early diagnosis for autistic children is crucial to allow earlier intervention, which can truly make a lifelong difference. For example, with early diagnosis, children can begin therapies, be better understood by their caregivers and families, and develop communication and social skills to improve their overall success. When children are diagnosed earlier, they receive support sooner, leading to better outcomes later in life.View Resource
We don’t just talk with words — we also "talk" with our faces, hands, and how we move. This is called body language or nonverbal communication. It helps us connect and understand each other. For autistic people, body language can look a little different.View Resource
Masking, also referred to as camouflaging, is when autistic people change their behavior to better “fit in” with their social environment. It can help autistic people interact with others but it can also cause mental distress to the autistic person.View Resource
Sensory rooms are carefully designed environments that provide users with a range of sensory experiences in a safe and relaxed way. They allow users to explore touch, sight, taste, smell, hearing, balance, movement, and internal/external body awareness all at their own pace.View Resource