The Golden Hat Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to changing the way people on the autism spectrum are perceived, by shining a light on their abilities and emphasizing their great potential. With proper education and career training, these individuals can truly realize their dreams. Our long-term goals include the establishment of innovative post-high school campuses designed to truly honor all individuals on the autism spectrum by creating an environment that supports and respects their individual needs and strengths.
Autistic individuals can achieve great things -- but only if they're supported by people who believe in their potential. Autistic people are often the creative innovators in our midst. They see the world through a different lens -- and when their perspective is respected, they can change the world.1
Lisa Jo Rudy, Mother, Writer and Consultant for autism
Much attention is on autism because of the profound increase in the number of children being diagnosed.
- In a new study published by the US Department of Health and Human Services in March, 2014, it was reported that an estimated 1 in 68 children now have an autism diagnosis.
The spotlight shown on autism as a result of the increase in prevalence opens opportunities for the world to consider how best to serve these individuals and their families. Although awareness of the increase in autism is important, it is also important to understand the person behind the diagnosis …why he or she may look, act, or appear different.
- Problems with verbal communication are one of the telltale signs of autism. Functional speech is absent in about 50 percent of autism cases.
- Autistic individuals often have unusual interests or behaviors, sometimes called "stimming." They may be more interested in parts of an object, rather than the whole object. They may become attached to odd items. Unusual behaviors may include hand flapping, walking on toes, or other movements that are repeated over and over.
- People on the autism spectrum are often highly sensitive or under-responsive to sound, light, and other sensory stimulation. They may overreact to sounds and grab their ears or talk very loudly when speaking to others. They may object to rough-textured clothing and tags on their skin. They may avoid some foods because of sensitivity to textures. They may tolerate hugging but become irritable when touched lightly. This sensory sensitivity is called “tactile defensiveness." Sensory issues can make people with autism appear inattentive or disinterested in others.
Autistic individuals carry a double burden. In addition to their daily speech and sensory challenges, they must also cope with negative attitudes of society, inadequate support for their needs and, in some cases, outright discrimination. Sadly, people with autism are often labeled “cognitively impaired.” Because communication skills are an integral part of how most professionals determine a person's intelligence, their communication impairments can severely affect their ability to perform on standardized intelligence tests.
Mike Merzenich, a professor of neuroscience at UC San Francisco, says the notion that 75 percent of autistic people are mentally retarded is "incredibly wrong and destructive." He has worked with a number of children with autism, many of whom are nonverbal that would have been plunked into the low-functioning (severe) category simply because they lacked the ability to express what they know.
We at the Golden Hat Foundation believe that:
- Despite the behaviors and communication difficulties of people with ASD, we should assume intelligence first and then find ways to access it. People on the autism spectrum are different, but they have unique strengths, perceptions, and talents that deserve recognition and respect.
- People on the autism spectrum should be given the means to learn to communicate.
- Autistic individuals should have access to an appropriate academic education, social supports and job training based on their abilities.
We have big plans at the Golden Hat Foundation.
