Understanding and Communicating with People with Autism

Adrienne Robertiello, Autism Educator at Children's Specialized Hospital and Board member of Autism Family Times with Brianna and student Alexandra Jackman of Westfield, NJ, who has created A Teen's Guide to Understanding and Communicating with People with Autism - aimed to encourage teens to understand and accept with peers who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) will be our guests on the next edition of Live From Trenton.

Ms. Robertiello steers collaborative initiatives to facilitate the awareness and participation of children with ASD and their families in community settings. Through generous funding from Kohl's Cares, Adrienne presents to families, community service providers, organizations, governmental agencies, as well as general members of the community. One of the hospital's autism education initiatives - Friends Like You. Friends Like Me. - helps educate children about ASD and offers tools to facilitate friendships among children with or without ASD. Because of this parallel message, Alex requested Ms. Robertiello's participation in the teen film.

The film, now viewable online at http://youtu.be/p9-l19CKISg was developed as part of an independent study program at Roosevelt Intermediate School in Westfield. Eighth grade students who are selected to take part in this Teddy Roosevelt Scholars program work with a teacher-mentor on a particular topic of student interest. Ultimately, it is Alexandra's hope that this video can help people with autism be more accepted in the community.