Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism is a complex developmental disability that causes problems with socia interaction and communication.  Health care providers think of autism as a "spectrum" disorder, a group of disorders with similar characteristics.  Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) range from a severe form, called Autistic Disorder to a milder form, Asperger Syndrome.  All of these disorders are characterized by varying degrees of impairment in verbal and/or non-verbal communication (i.e. eye contact, smiling); social interactions (i.e. sharing emotions, understanding how others feel or think, holding a reciprocal conversation); and repetitive behaviors or interests (i.e. repeating words or actions, obsessively following routines or schedules, playing in repetitive ways).

There is no cure for Autism Spectrum Disorders, nor is there one single treatment.  However, there are ways to help minimize the symptoms and to maximize learning.  The earlier the disorder is diagnosed, the sooner the child can be helped through treatment interventions.  Early intervention may have a dramatic impact on reducing symptoms and increasing a child's ability to grow and learn new skills.

           Click here for a Quick Fact Sheet on Autism Spectrum Disorders                                                                              (coming soon!)

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