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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Broward chapter.

This is to my friend Sandy Trager, who is passionate about her fellow peers with a disability!

Here is more on Autism Awareness Month!

What is Autism? 

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability that affects, in varying degrees, a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism usually appears within the first three years of a person’s life.

Common Behaviors Associated with Autism. Someone with Autism can express many or just a few of these behaviors:

  • Delayed learning of language.
  • Difficulty making eye contact.
  • Difficulty holding a conversation.
  • Difficulty with executive function.
  • Narrow intense interests.
  • Poor motor skills.
  • Poor sensory sensitivity.
  • Problems with verbal and nonverbal communication.
  • Lack of interest in peer relationships.

How Many People Have Autism?

  • Today: 1 in 68 American children have Autism.
  • 2004: 1 in 125 American children have Autism. 
  • Males: 1 in 42 boys have Autism.
  • Females: 1 in 189 girls have Autism.

Raising Awareness for Autism:

  • Participate in a fundraising event in your community. 
  • Wear an Autism Awareness pin.
  • Make a donation to an Autism charity. 
  • Volunteer for a local Autism support group.

Remember these everyday when you talk to, speak, or even see a person on the Autism Spectrum:

  • Autism is NOT who a person is. It is something that affects the way they may talk, feel, act, and learn.
  • People with Autism are NOT ignoring you, sometimes they just don’t know how to respond.
  • People with Autism like to make friends just like you!
  • People with Autism have the same feelings as you do, but may show them differently.
  • NOT being ABLE to SPEAK is NOT the same as having nothing to SAY.
  • Every behavior is an attempt to communicate! 
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Student at Broward College for the past five years, first enrolled on Davie's Central Campus learning Physical Therapy for two years than, transferring to Coconut Creeks North campus for the last three years, now majoring in Early Childhood / Developmental Education. Spent first year with Her campus Broward as Outreach Director, former president of self-entitled campus friendship club, Sammy's Buddy Brigade, member of the Campus Science Club, and a Broward County local student Ambassador with Best Buddies International. Winner of the Sammy's award for most charity work within the community, and now Vice President of Her Campus Broward. I hope to soon be working at Junior Achievement with the elementary and middle school children, in order to have a well rounded experience! The hope is to one day work with and teach children who have special needs such as myself! Biggest belief and philosophy of life is that, no matter what anyone says you can't accomplish in life, I am living proof that anything is possible! Having ADHD, high functioning Autism, and medical conditions such as Scoliosis, helps me to understand special needs children on a level that very few people can! It is this very knowledge that led me to choose Teaching as my chosen profession. Now at age 42, and more than 55% on the way to getting an Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education, I hope to become an Assistant Teacher within the next year or so. We hope that this true life story will inspire others to never give up either, no matter what anybody says, or tells you, that you can't do, the only one who can truly hold you back is "YOU".
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Tiffany Joseph

Broward '20

I'm Miss. Congeniality of Broward College North Campus, Events Coordinator of the Psychology Club at Broward College North Campus, new president of Her Campus Broward, I work for Student Services at Broward College North Campus, and I just like to get involved in many great activities that benefit my personal growth.