• Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication
• Because autism is a spectrum disorder, each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges
  
• Some people with ASD may require significant support in their daily lives, while others may need less support and, in some cases, live entirely independently

Resource: https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism

• Two of the most common signs of autism include sensory issues and communication challenges
• Many people with autism have sensory issues. These typically involve over- or under-sensitivities to sounds, lights, touch, tastes, smells, pain and other stimuli

Some communication challenges that those with autism may not understand or appropriately use include:

• Spoken language (around a third of people with autism are nonverbal)
• Gestures
• Eye contact
• Facial expressions
• Tone of voice
• Expressions not meant to be taken literally

https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/sensory-differences/sensory-differences/all-audiences - here is a break down of some sensory differences with our senses and what that may look like for someone with autism.

Click on the link below to view the adult autism diagnosis toolkit, not all cases of autism get diagnosed in early childhood. In this toolkit you can see how to get a diagnosis, what the process looks like, state and federal protections for people with autism, etc.

With April being Alcohol Awareness Month, it would be a great time to share some facts, figures and information regarding alcoholism, and suspected misuse of alcohol.

• In the United States, more than 140,000 people per year die from alcohol misuse, making it one of the leading causes of preventable deaths
  
• Alcohol misuse is linked to more than 200 disease and injury-related conditions
  
• Alcohol misuse contributes substantially to health care costs and lost productivity and affects people’s health in ways that they may not realize
• Source: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

• For local data, please see the Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) data that is completed by students in our area regarding substance use and other concerns.
• https://www.bcdac.org/prevention/pennsylvania_youth_survey_(pays).php

There are a multitude of strategies we can use and put in place in our community to try and lessen the frequency of alcohol misuse. Please see the list below for ways you can help!

• Enhance and stricter enforcement of places of business selling alcohol to only those over 21 years of age
• Open dialogues and create safe spaces when discussing suspected misuse in teens, adolescents and adults
• Get involved with policy to limit advertising of alcohol
• Push for the elimination or reduce selling of "deals" for happy hours
• Use screening and behavioral treatment interventions
• Brief motivational interviewing opportunities with someone trained in M.I.
• Prevention education programs through community agencies
• The Council of Southeast PA in Bucks County, Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission

**If you have a concern about a students involvement with alcohol, please reach out to your SAP team as a resource**

Some early signs to look for include:

• Mood and personality changes
• Problems with police
• Depression
• Unhealthy peer/dating relationships
• Hyperactivity
• Disengagement from school
• Health and hygiene issues
• Poor attendance or dropping out
• Changes in relationships with friends and family

Bucks County Drug & Alcohol Commission, Inc.

https://www.bcdac.org/ or call 215.444.2700

The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania

https://www.councilsepa.org/ or call 800.221.6333

1-800-662-HELP (4357)

United States Department of Human Services

https://findtreatment.gov/

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Call 988

National Alliance on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/

Counseling is a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education and career goals.

• There is no right or wrong answer...!
• If you are having challenges in any area of life, could include work/life balance, general anxieties, marital troubles, parenting concerns, grief and loss, etc.
• There are many different types of counseling styles and approaches

• Attend a training/seminar regarding a topic of interest, or an area you may need support in
• Encourage friends and family to seek out support as needed...and do not forget to encourage YOURSELF as well
• Reach out to your counselor if you have one!
• Practice self-care
• Assist in lessening the stigma regarding mental health or other counseling related services

Mental health counseling

Marriage and family counseling

Trauma counseling

Educational counseling

Addiction counseling

Behavioral counseling

Medication Take Back Day will be held throughout Bucks County on Saturday April 27th. The link and graphic below provides information on Medication Take Back Day.

https://www.bcdac.org/prevention/medication_and_sharps_disposal/medication_take_back_day/take_back_toolkit.php

The Bucks County Suicide Prevention Task Force is holding their annual Hold On You Matter Spring Walk on Saturday April 27th. This event will have speakers, presenters, activities and performances designed to raise money and support suicide prevention efforts in our communities.

USE YOUR SCHOOL'S STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SAP) TEAM

What is SAP?

The Student Assistance Program (SAP) is a team compromised of school staff and a liaison who work together to support students facing barriers to their education.

Anyone can refer a student to SAP when they are concerned about someone's behavior - any school staff, a student's friend, a family member, a community member, or even yourself. Some examples of a SAP referral are:

• Substance use/vaping
• Changes in mood
• Suicidal thoughts
• Self-harming
• Feelings of anxiety or constant worry
• Family issues
• Behavioral concerns

You can refer someone to SAP for any barrier to their education - it does not have to just be the listed concerns. Your school's SAP team is there to assist and support students and families.

What SAP Can Offer:

• short-term one-on-one problem solving services including but not limited to: follow up from a crisis, follow up on a former SAP case, support for re-entry into school, substance use policy violation, support while waiting for community counseling services
• Groups! These groups are: psycho-educational and age appropriate. Some examples of groups are: Friendship Skills, Anger Management, Career Choices, Healthy Decision Making, Coping Skills, Addiction Education, Grief & Loss, Children of an Addict, and many more. Ask your school's SAP counselor if you are looking for a specific group topic!

How Do I Find the SAP Team?

To reach out to your SAP team, contact your school counselor, teacher, principal, etc. You can also go to your school's website and see if your SAP liaison is listed there.

The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc

Email: mgroden@councilsepa.org
Website: https://www.councilsepa.org/
Location: 4459 West Swamp Road, Doylestown, PA, USA
Phone: (215) 345-6644