Autism Acceptance Month - What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? Jessica Getter, OT The purpose of Autism Acceptance Month is to promote education and inclusion surrounding Autism Spectrum Disorder. Occupational Therapist Jessica Getter specializes in working with autistic patients. In collaboration with the parent of one of Jessica's autistic clients, they shared what people should know about Autism: Autism is a difference in how the brain works, a type of neurodiversity that impacts how a person interprets and interacts with the world around them. It presents as a wide range, or spectrum, of characteristics and no two people with autism are exactly the same. Characteristics of autism include challenges with social interaction, communication, and behavior. They may have difficulty interpreting others’ emotions and expressing their own emotions. Autistic people may have unique behaviors that can be surprising to others such as repetitive movements or noises which help them cope w
