Turning Pointe offering autism awareness lessons

The Naperville-based Turning Pointe Autism Foundation is offering age-appropriate lessons to raise awareness about autism, particularly among neurotypical children.

The downloadable activities and educational materials are aligned with the Illinois State Board of Education social-emotional learning standards, Executive Director Carrie Provenzale said. Organization leaders also are encouraging community members to take photos with Turning Pointe's mascot, a dog named Otis, and post them on social media.

The lessons and activities are available on the organization's website, turningpointeautismfoundation.org, through April as part of World Autism Month.

"This was a way for us to start bridging the divide and letting neurotypical kids and families learn about autism and support organizations like ours," Provenzale said.