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Resources
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder, refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences. We now know that there is not one autism but many types, caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental influences.
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The term “spectrum” reflects the wide variation in challenges and strengths possessed by each person with autism.
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Autism’s most-obvious signs tend to appear between 2 and 3 years of age. In some cases, it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. Some developmental delays associated with autism can be identified and addressed even earlier. Parents with concerns should seek evaluation without delay, as early intervention can improve outcomes.
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Some facts about autism
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates autism’s prevalence as 1 in 44 children in the United States. This includes 1 in 27 boys and 1 in 116 girls.
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An estimated 50,000 teens with autism become adults – and lose school-based autism services – each year.
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Around one third of people with autism remain nonverbal.
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Around one third of people with autism have an intellectual disability.
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Certain medical and mental health issues frequently accompany autism. They include gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, seizures, sleep disturbances, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety and phobias.
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--Autism Speaks
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www.autismspeaks.org -One of the leading autism science and advocacy organizations. Autism Speaks provides a comprehensive resource guide for all states. The site also boasts an impressive list of apps that parents may find useful, including games that focus on communication and social skills.
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www.autism-society.org -Another great site that includes helpful resources for those with autism, family members, as well as professionals. Autism Society also gives updates on the latest autism news and press releases.
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www.disabilityscoop.com – Sign up for Disability Scoop’s e-mail news to receive the most current updates on developmental disabilities. Disability Scoop’s experts have been cited by multiple online news sites, including USA Today and People.com.
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www.autism.com – The Autism Research Institute focuses on researching the causes of autism, as well as developing safe and effective treatments for those currently affected by the disorder.
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www.ahany.org – The Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Association website offers some great resources for those with higher functioning autism. Ahany also provides a great list of summer programs and day camps in New York, as well as useful questions to ask when choosing a camp or summer program for your special needs child.
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www.autismhwy.com -Started by a woman whose son was diagnosed with autism, Autism Highway is both informative and fun. Easy to navigate, Autism Highway provides an extensive list of Autism related events and specialists. In addition, Autism Highway includes many fun games that children are sure to enjoy!
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www.autismbeacon.com – Also started by the parent of a child with autism, Autism Beacon strives to supply the best resources for autism treatments. Autism Beacon presents a lengthy range of articles on autism, including sensitive topics such as bullying and sexuality.
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https://www.thezebra.com/traveling-autism/ - Traveling with Autism: How to Handle Safety, Transitions, and Time in Transit
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moving-with-autism - How to Plan Your Transition to a New Home
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http://www.autismsupportnetwork.com/resources - Numerous resources including tools, grants, education, local resource locator, books, research, and conference.
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https://www.bigrentz.com/blog/sensory-friendly-home-modifications-autism-sensory-processing-disorder - Sensory-Friendly Home Modifications for Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder
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https://www.sleepjunkie.org/autism-and-sleep - The Ultimate Guide to Helping Children With Autism Sleep Soundly at Night
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https://www.justgreatlawyers.com/students-with-autism - Advocating for Students on the Autism Spectrum
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http://katcproviders.louisville.edu - Kentucky Autism Training Center. KATC is a statewide resource for families and educators. KATC is housed at the University of Louisville’s College of Education and Human Development. For many years the KATC has supported individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by providing hands-on training for educators in the classroom, hosting workshops for families, and conducting professional development sessions. This brochure from the KATC lists various resources available to families in Kentucky.
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https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/irca - The Indiana Resource Center for Autism conducts outreach training and consultations, engages in research, and develops and disseminates information on behalf of individuals across the autism spectrum. Their efforts are focused on providing communities, organizations, agencies, individuals and families with the knowledge and skills to support children and adults in typical early intervention, school, community, work, and home settings. The IRCA booklet for parents of newly diagnosed children is an excellent resource and can be downloaded below for free:
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