1. A New Normal Understanding Autism and Asperger’s

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4. Autism and Asperger’s are diseases that are not totally understood by the mainstream. Many are thought to be weird or not to be able to function on their own. The entertainment industry has brought the idea of these illness to light but also some comedy as well. However this is a real disease that needs to reach the population.

5. What is Autism? Autism is a neurological disorder that primarily effects males. These individuals may have difficulty communicating and awkward in social situations. There are wide variety of severity of Autism. Those with severe Autism may need care throughout their lives whereas others will be able to live on their own. Many children are diagnosed before the age of 3. Parents and/or caregivers are the first ones to initially see a problem. There is no cure for Autism but the individual can live a normal life with early interventions and modifications in daily life.

6. What is Asperger’s Syndrome? Asperger’s is a milder from of Autism. These individuals are higher functioning yet still have difficulty communicating and social skills. There is a later onset in those with Asperger’s than those with Autism. The diagnosis is usually after the age of 3. These individuals usually have a smaller range of interests such as trains, weather, mythical creatures.

7. Areas of Development Children have three areas of development as they mature. Social Language Behavior

8. Symptoms of Autism Socially Fails to respond to his or her name Has poor eye contact Appears to hear you at times Resists cuddling or holding Appears unaware of other people feelings Seems to prefer to play by oneself- retreats to ones own world. Mayo Clinic Staff. “Autism-Symptoms.” www.MayoClinic.com. 1998-2011. 2011 March 22..

9. Symptoms of Autism Language Starts talking later than age 2, and has other developmental delays by 30 months Loses previously acquired ability to say words or sentences Doesn't make eye contact when making requests Speaks with an abnormal tone or rhythm — may use a singsong voice or robot-like speech Can't start a conversation or keep one going May repeat words or phrases verbatim, but doesn't understand how to use them Mayo Clinic Staff. “Autism-Symptoms.” www.MayoClinic.com. 1998-2011. 2011 March 22..

10. Symptoms of Autism Behavior Performs repetitive movements, such as rocking, spinning or hand- flapping Develops specific routines or rituals Becomes disturbed at the slightest change in routines or rituals Moves constantly May be fascinated by parts of an object, such as the spinning wheels of a toy car May be unusually sensitive to light, sound and touch and yet oblivious to pain Mayo Clinic Staff. “Autism-Symptoms.” www.MayoClinic.com. 1998-2011. 2011 March 22..

11. Symptoms of Asperger’s Socially The individuals do not pick up on social cures such as rhythm of conversation, body contact, or facial expressions. http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/menta l-health-aspergers-syndrome http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/menta l-health-aspergers-syndrome

12. When to seek a doctor’s advice. Doesn't babble or coo by 12 months Doesn't gesture — such as point or wave — by 12 months Doesn't say single words by 16 months Doesn't say two-word phrases by 24 months Loses previously acquired language or social skills at any age

13. Treatment There is no medical drug that can cure Autism. Drugs can be administered to help with the symptoms, such as antidepressants and/or antipsychotic medications. Typically therapy is encouraged that can teach the child how to interact with others and communicate. Therapy is also helpful in teaching the child to function with this disorder.

14. Modifications There are all types of modifications that a should and can be made for people with Autism and Asperger’s Have a consistent schedule Stay in your routine Set Clothes out the night before Warn those with the illness of future changes Parents should stay in close communication with Teachers

15. Support Parents and Caregivers often feel like they are at fault for having a child that is not “normal”. Parents should realize this is not their fault and finding a support group or play group to share your feelings and frustrations with can make all the difference. http://autism.meetup.com/cities/us/tx/fort_worth/ http://www.partnerstx.org/Resources/Autism/Support.htm