Autism Awareness Month 2021: Real Me
Celebrating Autism Awareness Month by celebrating real people
Like everyone, those living with autism have their own unique personalities and likes and dislikes. That’s why we integrate a team approach to support each person’s unique needs. As we celebrate Autism Awareness Month, we celebrate the real people we support and invite you to share the stories of the real people in your world.
Chris is a big help around the house and is the one who will keep everyone on task and on schedule. Chris’s favorite things to do are to go to the park, go to the movies, play at the arcade, and eat out –his favorite restaurant is PDQ. Chris is very welcoming to anyone he meets and always wants to know more about who you are. Chris enjoys sharing his knowledge with others and having conversations about things he enjoys.
Sumaiyaah — or Mai as her family lovingly calls her — is a vibrant, fun-loving sister and daughter whose favorite pastime is playing on the beach. It doesn’t matter which shore town her family visits: If there’s sand and water, Mai has a smile on her face. She loves to eat pizza, preferably from Little Caesar’s, and doesn’t hesitate to make new friends on the playground. “She’s one of the most courageous people I know,” says her father, Omar. “She knows what she wants, and she’s determined to go after it.”
Ellie is described by her care team as a “firecracker.” She loves hot sauce and any condiments. She is always happy and loving and enjoys a good snuggle. But she can also play by herself for hours spending time in a splash pool or with her beads and blocks. And, like a lot of 16 year olds, she spends much of her time dancing and listening to music.
Josh’s favorite food is Chinese! He enjoys ordering food out and getting it delivered. Josh loves trains, listening to records and traveling –before COVID he would go on two trips a day! He is an avid sports fan, both watching and participating especially in swimming, and is a writer with quite a few pen pals.
Ryan is a huge sports fan but his favorite team by far is the Flyers! He enjoys playing basketball and being part of the Special Olympics bowling team. Ryan is very kind and happy and loves to joke and laugh with his friends. He really doesn’t like when holidays (especially Christmas) are over.
Cade loves his iPad — like most 16-year-olds. He is also a gentle child who enjoys time on the swings and swimming. He laughs a lot but gets nervous in new surroundings. He’s an athlete who was a proud participant in Special Olympics! Cade is a graduate of the Preschool & Early Education Program and is now a student at The Bancroft School.
Watch Ben's Story
Autism Awareness Month Stories & Resources
Ways to Celebrate Autism
To raise awareness and show support for the beautiful, smart, and unique individuals living with autism, we’ve put together some helpful ways to celebrate autism with friends, family and in your community every day of the year!
Exploring Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy
ABA Therapy is an effective treatment for individuals with autism. The specialized treatment enables children to overcome challenging behaviors and connect with their world, and includes individualized strategies to meet each child’s unique needs.
Benefits of a Team Approach
No two children have the exact same needs. That’s why the team approach to supporting children with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities is so critical. At Bancroft, we see the team like a puzzle carefully designed to fit around a child.
Cade's Story
Cade loves his iPad — like most 16-year-olds. He is also a gentle child who enjoys time on the swings and swimming. He laughs a lot but gets nervous in new surroundings. He’s an athlete who was a proud participant in Special Olympics! Cade is a graduate of the PEEP program and is now a student at The Bancroft School.
Finding Joy, Whatever Our Challenges
Every child deserves to live a life of happiness and fulfillment, but ‘happiness’ comes in many forms. A board-certified behavior analyst with The Bancroft School talks about ways parents and caregivers can help children of all abilities live their best lives.
Autism Resource Guide
Here are some resources you can use to celebrate Autism Awareness Month with your friends, family and community!
Autism Friendly Places to Visit
Trying to plan a fun (and safe) day out of the house? Look no further! Check out our list of autism-friendly places to visit in and around the tri-state area that offer sensory-friendly activities and provide individuals with special needs, a safe and nurturing environment to build social skills, cultivate friendships and have fun!
Movies, Documentaries & Shows About Autism
Whether it’s about autism or written by someone with autism, the options for movies, documentaries, TV shows & short films about autism and disabilities are endless.
Share your Real Me story or the story of someone you love at communications@bancroft.org.
