Introduction
In this webquest, you will be finding more information on autism spectrum disorder and how it affects those with the diagnosis, as well as those who are around helping people who have an autism diagnosis. You will write 2 short paragraphs, one at the beginning and end, and you will answer a few questions about autism as you go through the resources!
Task
This webquest will help to educate those interacting with it about how our brains differ from people who have autism. There is one paragraph at the beginning that you must write to briefly showcase what you already know about autism spectrum disorder. Then you will answer 12 general questions about autism, and then write another brief paragraph showcasing how the new information helped you understand autism better.
Process
1. write paragraph without looking anything up to show what you already know about an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis.
2. Answer the following questions using the resources provided.
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/autism-spectrum-disorder
https://www.spectrumnews.org/news/brain-structure-changes-in-autism-explained/
https://elifesciences.org/digests/42256/how-does-autism-affect-the-brain
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323741#A-whole-new-perspective
https://www.dw.com/en/the-brain-of-an-autistic-person-simply-works-differently/a-57072777
https://brainwave.watch/how-does-autism-affect-the-brain-and-nervous-system/
https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-care-for-someone-with-autism-5213890
What is autism spectrum disorder defined as?
What are the main signs and symptoms that people with autism might have?
What is meant when using the word 'spectrum' in autism spectrum disorder?
What statistic is given for how many children are believed to be dealing with autism today?
About how much of the population of people with autism don't speak (non-verbal)?
What different parts of the brain are shown to be different in people with autism when compared to people's brains who didn't have autism?
What is the difference in processing sensory input between a neurotypical mind and a mind of someone with autism?
How do connections within the brain of someone with autism act differently than a neurotypical brain?
About how many people who have autism actually have savant skills (extraordinary skill in a particular field or subject)?
How are synapses different in the brain of someone with autism when compared to a neurotypical brain?
What is the best course of action for the caregiver of the person with autism do after receiving their diagnosis?
What are some of the best ways to provide help in succeeding in their everyday lives dealing with this diagnosis?
3. Write another paragraph describing what you already knew, and how the new information you learned ties into what you already knew.
Evaluation
Your performance will be evaluated by how you demonstrate that you understood and learned new information from the questions. Finding correct answers to questions themselves, and then correctly pulling the new concepts into your last paragraph to distinguish that you have learned something new.
Conclusion
By completing this activity, you have successfully looked into and gotten more education on what autism spectrum disorder is like for those with the diagnosis, and those surrounding the people with the diagnosis. It is a hard path to travel, but people have to deal with this reality everyday of their lives. Understanding how we can better help and care for them to help with their success in life will only help us as a population overall in finding the harmony we all need to live happily.