Learning & Development/TigerTalk

Autism AWARENESS

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 54 children in the United States today. Because autism is a spectrum disorder, each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges. The ways in which people with autism learn, think and problem-solve can range from highly skilled to severely challenged. Some people with ASD may require significant support in their daily lives, while others may need less support and, in some cases, live entirely independently.

“BARRY PLANS ON BECOMING AN ENGINEER”

Sophia Johnson, Samtec Microelectronics

“My son Barry is 17 yrs old, and has autism spectrum disorder (Asperger’s syndrome). He is a wonderful young man. He is home schooled due to severe social anxiety and many ticks that affect people on the spectrum. Barry is an honor student and plans on being an engineer and a game developer! He doesn’t call me mom, he calls me Pink.”

Famous people on the spectrum

SATOSHI TAJIRI You may not know the name Satoshi Tajiri, but we’re willing to bet you would recognize Pokémon, Tajiri’s most famous creation. Satoshi Tajiri has stated that he is on the high-functioning end of the Autism Spectrum. He has confirmed on more than one occasion that he has Asperger’s Syndrome. But, as a general rule Tajiri chooses not to talk about his diagnosis in public. Rather, he prefers that his many accomplishments speak for themselves.

TIM BURTON Is Tim Burton — the beloved director behind such films as Beetlejuice, Alice in Wonderland, Edward Scissorhands, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, to name but a few. Though Burton has neither confirmed nor denied his place on the Autism Spectrum, his former long-time partner, Helena Bonham Carter, seems to think autism makes perfect sense. According to Carter, she experienced an “a-ha moment” while researching an autistic character for a film. “Autistic people have application and dedication. You can say something to Tim when he’s working and he doesn’t hear you. But that quality also makes him a fantastic father, he has an amazing sense of humor and imagination. He sees things other people won’t see.”

DAN AYKROYD As a child, comedy legend Dan Aykroyd was expelled from two different schools before anyone realized that he had mild Asperger’s Syndrome. Since his diagnosis, Aykroyd has been vocal and honest about his experiences on the Autism Spectrum. According to the Oscar-nominated actor and writer, Asperger’s even helped Aykroyd develop his famous Ghostbusters character.

SIR ANTHONY HOPKINS On a list of the greatest living actors, Sir Anthony Hopkins would almost certainly be included. The actor, who won an Oscar for portraying Hannibal Lector in The Silence of the Lambs, has been diagnosed with high-functioning Asperger’s Syndrome (though Hopkins hasn’t said at what point in his life he received the diagnosis). When talking about the way being on the Autism Spectrum affects him, Hopkins says, “I don’t go to parties, I don’t have many friends, but I do like people.” “WE LIVE BY THE MOTTO; AUTISM IS DIFFERENT, NOT LESS.”

Ryan (Samtec New Albany) and Jennifer Curtis

“We have an adult son with autism. My wife was a teacher of students with special needs. Kyle was one of her students. He was in the Kentucky foster care system due to severe abuse and neglect. My wife, Jennifer, fell in love with Kyle on the first day of school when he climbed up into her lap and said, “I wub you.” She asked me to come meet him, and it didn’t take long for me to bond with him as well. We began taking the classes to become certified foster and adoptive parents for KY. During this time, Kyle started visiting our home on weekends. Despite his Autism, he was so easy to love. I guess he was just looking for love and a safe “forever” home. We adopted him when he was 9. Now he is 29. He is a blessing to anyone who meets him. This photo was taken at my niece’s wedding in Georgia. Kyle was a groomsman.

After he graduated from high school, my wife quit working in the public schools to stay at home, and care for Kyle. She is able to keep him active in learning and practicing skills in the community in order for him to become more independent. With my schedule at Samtec, working 3, 12hr shifts gives me more time at home with them. He is a great son, not without his challenges but we all have challenges. We live by the motto that autism is different, not less.”