Motlow Smyrna Students and Faculty Attend Autism Spectrum Disorder Presentation

By Miranda Basford

Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer

SMYRNA, Tenn. – Educational Consultant Kelly Luo spoke to Motlow Smyrna students about Autism Spectrum Disorder at 1 p.m. April 11, telling them that “being here today is a great step in learning about ASD.”

Luo, who works for the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, used her talk to define ASD, explain how to provide support for students with the disorder, and provide tools available to help them. The room was filled by people looking to learn more about ASD and how to help the individuals around them transition easier into college and enjoy their time here.

“I am happy that so many of you are here today to learn about ASD,” Luo said.

She told attendees that Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication and behavior. A person with ASD does not naturally pick up on social and verbal cues like other people can. This can present itself in many ways, such as not knowing how to start a conversation or when to change topics while talking to another person.

Kelly Luo receives an Award of Appreciation from Coordinator of Disability and Testing Yeulanda Pierce-Beverly

“Situations are hard to navigate for people with ASD,” Luo added. “In turn, they often engage in behaviors that do not make sense to us.”

She told students and staff that individuals with ASD have restricted interests and repetitive behavior. Due to this, change can be very hard for someone with ASD and cause them to have a lot of anxiety when faced with a new situation.

“People with ASD are resistant to change,” Luo continued.

Luo had a lot of good advice to share during her presentation. She said by learning strategies to help individuals with ASD cope and be more mindful of their stressors, one can help them learn to better manage their stress. She explained how color-coding class materials can make it easier for students with ASD to stay organized, and that using visual teaching methods make things concrete for individuals to help them better understand abstract concepts.

Luo also shared several apps that are helpful, such as Quizlet, which allows you to create and study flashcards on your computer, phone or tablet. Another app, Cold Turkey, lets individuals set a timer or schedule to block certain websites or the entire internet in order to eliminate studying distractions. Wunderlist helps individuals manage tasks by creating to-do lists and setting reminders.

“These apps work well for individuals with ASD, because they serve as visual aids,” Luo said.

Luo also shed light on some common misconceptions about ASD, one of the biggest being that individuals with ASD are anti-social. Luo explained that they are not anti-social. They just do not socialize in the same way other people do.

“People often have a vision that everyone with ASD looks the same,” Luo added. “A quote that I always like to reference is, ‘If you know one person with Autism, you know one person with Autism.’”

Another misconception is that individuals with ASD choose not to do things they are uncomfortable with. Individuals with ASD want to be able to do things and have experiences like any other person, but they are often hindered by the disorder. It’s not that they won’t do things, they just aren’t sure how.

"Consider can’t vs. won’t,” Luo said. “Is the student refusing to do the work or do they feel they are unable to do it? Think about what you can try to make clearer."

Kelly Luo shares insights about Autism Spectrum Disorder at Motlow Smyrna

Being an effective support system for individuals with ASD is not something that just comes naturally to people. Luo cited attending ASD awareness events, pursuing information about ASD, and being open as several different methods of becoming more familiar with how to be supportive.

“I think patience and just realizing it takes time for anyone to learn new skills and also that those supporting people with ASD should seek support as well,” Luo said.

Luo is an educational consultant with the Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center in Nashville. She previously worked as an educational consultant and project manager with TennesseeWorks at Vanderbilt and as a program coordinator with Next Steps at Vanderbilt. Luo earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Educations from Wake Forest University and a master’s in Special Education from Vanderbilt University.

“My job with TRIAD brings my entire career together,” Luo said.

For additional information regarding ASD and useful resources, visit https://vkc.mc.vanderbilt.edu/vkc/triad/home.