Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Nearly one child of every 100 babies born will develop an autism spectrum disorder, and the autism rate is climbing. We believe:

• People with autism spectrum disorder require the same early intervention services and life span services available to anyone with a developmental disability.
• Our community’s service network must be encouraged and supported to develop strong diagnostic resources to accurately identify and treat people with an autism spectrum disorder.
• People with autism spectrum disorder should be able to access the protection and advocacy services currently available to people with developmental disabilities.
• Research must be funded to study the diagnostic and service intervention opportunities which would support individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

What to watch for

People with Autism Spectrum Disorder might:

• Not play pretend games, such as feeding a doll.
• Not point at objects to show interest.
• Not look at objects when another person points at them.
• Have trouble relating to others or not have an interest in people at all.
• Avoid eye contact and want to be alone.
• Have trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings.
• Prefer not to be held or cuddled, or might cuddle only when they want.
• Appear to be unaware when other people talk to them but respond to other sound.
• Be very interested in people, but not know how to talk, play or relate to them.
• Repeat or echo words or phrases said to them, or repeat words or phrases in place of normal language (echolalia).
• Have trouble expressing their needs using typical words or emotions.
• Repeat actions endlessly.
• Have trouble adapting when a routine changes.
• Have unusual reactions to stimuli.
• Lose skills they once had.