1. Autism Awareness
By Anna Banks

2. What is Autism? ASD is a complex developmental disability
The signs typically appear during early childhood
ASD affect a person’s ability to communicate, and interact with others
ASD is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a “spectrum condition” that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees
There is no known cause of autism
Ways to improve the outcome
increased awareness
early diagnosis/intervention
access to appropriate services

3. Signs/Symptoms Lack of or delay in spoken language
Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g., hand- flapping, twirling objects)
Little or no eye contact
Lack of interest in peer relationships
Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play
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Does not babble or coo by 12 months
Does not say single words by 16 months
Does not say two-word phrases on his or her own by 24 months
Does not gesture (point, wave, grasp) by 12 months
Has any loss of any language or social skill at any age

4. Diagnosis May appear to have:
an intellectual disability
sensory processing issues
problems with hearing or vision
Diagnosis must be made by a Medical Professional
Those who may notice Autism signs include:
Parents
Teachers
Or someone who is around the child all the time
Differential Diagnosis
Other medical conditions or syndromes, such as sensory processing disorder, can present symptoms that are confusingly similar to autism’s.

5. Treatment Options Non-medical Intervention
A treatment plan should come from a thorough evaluation of the child’s strengths and weaknesses.
Important
Match a child’s potential
Match a child’s specific needs
Each child is different.
It is important to do what works best for each child.
A search for appropriate treatment must be paired with the knowledge that all treatment approaches are not equal
What works for one, will not work for all.

6. Family issues Parents/Caregivers Siblings
Must now place their primary focus on helping their child with ASD
Stresses:
Marriage
Other children
Work
Finances
Personal relationships
Responsibilities
Siblings
Embarrassment around peers
Jealousy
regarding amount of time parents spend with their brother/sister
Frustration
not being able to engage
not getting a response from their brother/sister
Behaviors
Aggression
Trying to make up for the deficits of their brother/sister
Concerns
parents’ stress and grief
their role in future caregiving

7. resources Americans with Disabilities Act
The Olmstead decision
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Individualized Education Plan
Privacy provisions
P&A/CAP Network
Rehabilitation Act
Social Security
As a parent/caregiver known your rights to provide more for your children.

8. How can I get involved?
Search Nationwide Autism-Related Services and Supports With Autism Source
Reach Out to Your Local Affiliate
Sign Up for Autism Society’s Free E-Newsletter
Sign Up for Autism Society Action Alerts
Attend an Event
Sensory Friendly Films
Take a Free Course
Donate

9. How many people live with autism?
About 1 percent of the world population has autism spectrum disorder.
More than 3.5 million Americans live with an autism spectrum disorder.
Prevalence has increased by percent each year from 2002 to 2010.
Prevalence in the United States is estimated at 1 in 68 births
Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability.
Prevalence of autism in U.S. children increased by percent from (1 in 150) to 2010 (1 in 68)

10. How much does autism cost?
Autism services cost U.S. citizens $ billion annually
A majority of costs in the U.S. are in adult services – $ billion, compared to $61-66 billion for children.
Cost of lifelong care can be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention.
It costs more than $8,600 extra per year to educate a student with autism
The average cost of educating a student is about $12,000

11. Asperger’s Syndrome
Asperger’s symptoms are less severe symptoms and the absence of language delays compared to Autism
Usually want to fit in and have interaction with others, but often they don’t know how to do it.
Children may be:
socially awkward
not understand conventional social rules
show a lack of empathy
limited eye contact
seem unengaged in a conversation
not understand the use of gestures or sarcasm

12. sources http://www.autism-society.org/
To find out more in depth information please visit the provided website.
This website can help lead you in the direction of becoming a voice for autism.