The Autism Spectrum begins before the age of 3  and can last throughout a person’s life. People with autism find things like bright lights or loud noises overwhelming, stressful or uncomfortable. They might get anxious or upset about unfamiliar situations and social events. They also may take longer to understand information, since their other senses tend to be heightened causing focus to be more difficult. For example if a person with autism walked into Starbucks, he/she could be feeling stressed or have anxiety with all the people surrounding them. For a neuro typical person, they can just order and leave. It is important to realize what others are going through and be respectful. 

For Autism Awareness Month, the month of April, students here at OTIS showed their support by wearing blue on Fridays. The homeroom that had the most blue got a Dunkin Donuts breakfast.