Matthew Krastel, a self-described “autism teacher”, speaks about his autistic life and shares advice with others about creating a health plan and succeeding in the school system
Matthew Krastel has been providing comments, support and advice on YouTube about living with autism, developing friendships and succeeding in school. He’s also a musician, having played guitar for about nine years, who has recorded CDs for friends and family.
Matthew, who is in Grade 12, acknowledges he was a difficult child during early years in school. But recently, his focus has turned toward helping others. The resulting YouTube videos include titles such as Health and school habits, Fairness with autistic people, Choices in life, and How to be more patient. Find Matthew Krastel on Facebook here. Find Matthew on YouTube here.
Matthew is a keen promoter of World Autism Awareness Day, observed annually on April 2nd. The awareness day encourages member states of the United Nations to take measures to raise awareness about children with autism throughout the world. World Autism Day is also one of only four official health-specific UN Days, bringing individual autism organizations together all around the world to aid in things like research, diagnoses, treatment, and overall awareness for those with the disorder and looking for help.
You can hear Matthew on local community FM radio station CHLY (101.7 FM in Nanaimo and across the Islands) Monday afternoons at 4 p.m. He’s a member of the Tune Talk program team.
About autism
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. Some persons with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math and art. [source: autismspeaks.ca]
Living with autism
Depending on factors such as age, treatment and educational opportunity, many of the symptoms of ASD can get better over time. With appropriate intervention many children and adults can be assisted to reach optimal health resulting in meaningful outcomes. Autism affects us all differently. For many it may well continue into their senior years. Understanding these needs as we enter each stage of life is crucial. Autism is a journey and for many it will last a lifetime. [source: autismcanada.org]
We speak with Matthew Krastel.
662_matthew krastel_my autistic life_january_07_2016_40
Left-click to listen; right-click to save.
audio | Matthew Krastel on #peoplefirstradio @CHLYRadio #Nanaimo #VancouverIsland #autism https://t.co/wiN5IAoqCA pic.twitter.com/uL53DNbPle
— People First Radio (@peoplefirstrad) January 7, 2016
