How to explain autism to 3 year olds?

jillianmb

Hi ladies,

I hope you don't mind me coming on the board to ask a question.  A lady from my church is building an amazing residential farm/community/treatment center for adults with autism.  It is an incredible project and has been mind-boggling to watch her move from an idea, to raising millions of dollars, to ground breaking and putting up the first beautiful residences this summer!  Very exciting. 

The children's sunday school always has an offering and this year we are raising money to help with this project.  I want to explain to my class of 3 year olds where the money is going, but I am not sure how to describe autism.  Any advice on how to approach this topic with little kids? 

Vanessa Doofenshmirtz

I would keep it as simple as possible. It's a hard thing to explain to any age. If it were me, I'd focus more on the help being given than on the disorder. So, "the ___ house will be a wonderful place for people who need a place to live, or need help learning how to do a new job, etc." Helping people who need it makes sense to them.

/edited because I really don't think 3 year olds need more specificity. My 10 year old nephew can barely grasp the basics of autism we've shared about my son.