What is autism?

Watch the video to have Professor Puppet explain autism to you, or scroll down for a version that uses pictures to explain.

Autism is a difference in people's brains

Because of that, autistic children experience the world DIFFERENTLY.

Some things are HARDER for some autistic kids to do than for other kids.

Like making friends...

...and talking

...and dealing with changes when things don't go the way they expected.

With other things being autistic helps kids! One of the best things about being autistic is having favorite areas of interest.

An autistic kid who likes the movie Cars might know the ENTIRE script for the movie - something most kids can't do!

Another autistic kid might know everything about fans...

Or they might know a lot about dinosaurs!

Every autistic kid has their own interests!

Being autistic helps kids on the autism spectrum focus on the area they're most interested in! And that's great!

Autistic kids tend to feel their senses differently from others.
Some have stronger senses than other kids...

Hearing

Can make noises too loud.

Sight

Can make lights too bright.

Touch

Can make clothes itchy.

Taste

Can make food taste yucky.

Smell

Can make things too smelly.

Other autistic kids aren't as sensitive as other kids. 
They might like to...

Jump!

Make loud noises!

Most kids are more sensitive to some things than others, and less sensitive to other things.

Overall, autistic kids are different from other kids, but they can be just as happy as any other kids.

If you're an autistic kid, you should be proud of your unique self!