2. Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders known as Persuasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). The other persuasive developmental disorders are PDD-NOS (Persuasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified), Asperger’s Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, and Childhood Disintegrated Disorder. Many parents and professionals refer to this as Autism Spectrum Disorders.

3. Autism now affects 1 in 110 children and 1 in 70 boys Autism prevalence figures are going More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than AIDS, diabetes, & cancer combined. Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.

4. Did You Know? Cont. Autism costs the nation over $35 billion per year a figure expected to significantly increase in the next decade Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism These is no medical detection or cure for autism

5. Here in Denver, we have an organization called the Autism Society of Colorado. They are always looking for volunteers. Here is there contact information: Autism Society of Colorado 1 st Bank Building 550 S. Wadsworth Blvd. Suite 100 Lakewood, CO 80226 720.214.0794 office 720.274.2744 fax www.autismcolorado.org

6. Social Skills Fails to respond to his or her name Has poor eye contact Appears not to hear you at times Resists cuddling and holding Appears unaware of others’ feelings Seems to prefer playing alone retreats into his or her “own world

7. Signs & Symptoms cont. Language Starts talking later than other children Loses previously acquired ability to say words or sentences Does not 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

8. Signs & Symptoms cont. 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

14. http://www.autismcolorado.org/ http://www.autismspeaks.org http://www.autism-society.orh http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/autism/D S00348 http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/autism/D S00348