1. ALL ABOUT AUTISM We Care Services

3. WHAT IS AUTISM?  Autism is a serious developmental disorder that challenges the ability to communicate and interact. Autism is also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)  The Centers for Disease Control describes ASD as: developmental disabilities that cause challenges in social interaction and communication and the presence of unusual behaviors and interests. Many people with ASDs also have unusual ways of learning, paying attention, and reacting to different sensations. The thinking and learning abilities of people with ASDs can vary- from gifted to severely challenged.

4. AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER  "Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning that there is a wide degree of variation in the way it affects people" (Helpguide.org).  Autism is a spectrum of closely-related disorders with a shared core of symptoms and have challenges in varying degrees with social skills, empathy, communication, and flexible behavior. (Helpguide.org).

5.  CDC estimates that about 1 in 68 children have been identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  CDC says that ASD is almost five times more common among boys than among girls.  Autism is found in all racial, ethnic, and social groups. FACTS ABOUT AUTISM  The CDC says that on average, children identified with ASD were not diagnosed until after age 4, even though children can be diagnosed as early as age 2.

6. THINGS THAT PEOPLE MIGHT EXPERIENCE

7. BEHAVIORAL  Aggression, compulsive behavior, crying, excitability, hyperactivity, impulsivity, inappropriate social interaction, involuntary imitation of someone else’s movements, irritability, meaningless repetition of own words, nonsense word repetition, poor eye contact, repetitive movements, screaming, self-harm, or persistent repetition of words or actions (Mayo Clinic, 2015)

8. Cont..  Cognitive: intense interest in a limited number of things or problem paying attention.  Speech: abnormal tone of voice, speech impairment, speech loss, or stuttering.  Developmental: learning disability or speech delay in a child.  Psychological: depression or unaware of others’ emotions.  Muscular: poor coordination, tic, or clumsiness.  Also common: anxiety, constantly walking on tip toe, lack of empathy, or sensitivity to sound.* (Mayo Clinic, 2015).

9.  Anger management  Family therapy  Applied behavior analysis  Behavior therapy THERAPIES  Sensory processing  Animal-Assisted therapy  Online speech therapy (Mayo Clinic, 2015)

10. SPECIALISTS  Speech pathologist: Specialized in voice rehabilitation.  Occupational therapist: Improves daily living and work skills of patients.  Clinical psychologist: Treats psychological disorders.  Neurologist: Treats nervous system disorders.  Psychiatrist: Treats mental disorders  Pediatrician: Provides medical care for infants, children, and teenagers. (Mayo Clinic, 2015)

11. CAUSES  There are a lot of theories about the causes of autism but there is no definite cause that has actually been proven.

12.  Autism  Childhood disintegrative disorder  Rett Syndrome TYPES OF AUTISM  “Lower-functioning” end – autistic spectrum disorders can be hard to distinguish from intellectual disability (DSM5).  “Higher-functioning” end – they blend in with majority of society (DSM5).

13. NO LONGER AUTISM  Asperger’s and Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) are no longer considered to be on the Autism Spectrum (DSM5).

14. COPING AND SUPPORT  Find a team of trusted professionals.  Take time for yourself.  Seek out other families of children with ASD.  Learn about ASD.  Keep records of visits with service providers.  Stay current on new technologies and therapies. (Mayo Clinic, 2015)

15. WHAT IS WE CARE?  We Care is a non-profit organization that seeks to help children with developmental challenges and their families so that they can all reach their full potential.  We Care offers many services, especially for autistic children and their families, under the Autism Family Support Project.

16. AUTISM FAMILY SUPPORT PROJECT  This project is parent-run and seeks to help families of children with ASD.  They offer things like: Parent Education Groups Family Night Out Parent-to-Parent Support Groups Summer Camp http://www.wecarechildren.org/

17. RESOURCES  http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html  http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum- disorder/basics/definition/con- 20021148?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=abstract&utm_content=Autis m&utm_campaign=Knowledge-panel http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum- disorder/basics/definition/con- 20021148?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=abstract&utm_content=Autis m&utm_campaign=Knowledge-panel  http://www.helpguide.org/articles/autism/autism-spectrum-disorders.htm http://www.helpguide.org/articles/autism/autism-spectrum-disorders.htm  DSM 5  http://www.wecarechildren.org/ http://www.wecarechildren.org/