1. A public service announcement on behalf of committed parents like you aimed at providing resources for understanding the hurdles to finding a solution to the unique needs of each child. Research has indicated that early intervention (birth-age 3) is the most beneficial time for treatment for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

2. Unable to cope with change in routines Falls more than usual Seems socially awkward/misunderstands social situations Sees things in “black and white” no grey areas Odd speech pattern or repetative phrases Overly sensitive to lights/smells/sounds

3. What is It?  A developmental disorder that affects a person's ability to socialize and communicate effectively with others.  Annually 500,000 Americans are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. (CDC 2005) (p.1)  The diagnosis of autism spectrum was added as a special education exception in 1991 and is now the sixth most commonly utilized diagnosis in the United States.  51-91 percent of children with autism spectrum conditions, developmental concerns had been recorded before 3 years of age.  The median age of earliest autism spectrum diagnosis is between 4.5 to 5.5 years  A person with Asperger Syndrome have only moderate social and communication impairments and often grow up to be productive members of society

4.  She behaved independently and somehow separate from other kids like something was off or not right.  She would have occasional outbursts over fixations of objects or circumstances.  She appeared clumsy and unaware of what she was doing always spilling or breaking things without realizing the consequences of her actions. My daughter Emily was diagnose with Aspergers approximately a year after her sixth birthday. However, with ongoing speech/occupational therapy and medication she has a bright future with every day as a struggle and a blessing. Emily is on the left with her sister

5.  diagnosis of autism at age 2 can be reliable, valid, and stable. Despite research evidence, many children do not receive a final diagnosis until much later  Do not have as many opportunities for enriching classes due to limited classroom aid support/ limited willingness by general education teachers.  High ability in regards to functional tasks, but have difficulty with comprehension or problem solving skills.

6.  Talk to your health care practioner, your local schools and the leaders of education in your community about getting your child tested.  It doesn’t take very long, its inexpensive, and it helps further the education and research.  Most importantly it offers your child the chance to have a wonderfully functional future.  Talk with national groups aimed at supporting parents and providing unbiased information. National Autsim Society http://www.nationalautismassocia tion.org/ Autism Society http://www.nationalautismassociatio n.org/

8. Angel, D. (2009) Parenting Aspergers Resource Guide. Retrieved from: http://www.parentingaspergers.com/?hop=lifestar20 http://www.parentingaspergers.com/?hop=lifestar20 Borgman, S. (2011). Have You Seen These Autism Spectrum Statistics?. Prospering with Aspergers. Retrieved from: http://www.myaspergers.net/autism-statistics/ http://www.myaspergers.net/autism-statistics/ Mayo Clinic. (20100. Asperger's Syndrome. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/aspergers- syndrome/DS00551http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/aspergers- syndrome/DS00551 WebMD. (2008). Asperger's Syndrome - Symptoms. Healthwise. Retrieved from: http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/tc/aspergers-syndrome- symptoms http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/tc/aspergers-syndrome- symptoms