Autism

Autism is a disorder affecting 1 in every 150 people. It affects not only children but also adults. It is a complex developmental disorder. It includes a wide range of actions and symptoms. In short, it shows itself in many ways. There is no "one size fits all" label. These behaviors are not always noticed in a 15-30 minute visit in your doctor’s office. Your child will often appear "normal" to others.

Children and adults with Autism can show any combination of behaviors in many different ways. Two people with the same diagnosis can act very differently from one another. Early diagnosis is one of the best treatments for this disorder.

If your child or family member has these or any other unusual behaviors, here are ways you can get help:

• Talk to your child's doctor
• Ask for tests to make sure it is not another problem, such as a hearing problem
• Call your County Mental Health Agency
• Call your local Intermediate Unit (IU) – to find your local IU go to http://edna.ed.state.pa.us
• Call the Pennsylvania Early Intervention Hotline (children birth to 3 years) CONNECT at 1-800-692-7288
• Call the Autism Society of America at 1-800-3Autism
• Read the list of Resources and the Autism Spectrum Disorders Fact Sheet from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Log onto these websites
  • http://www.autismspeaks.org/
  • http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer

Newsletter Articles

• Do You Know a Child or Adult Who May Have Autism?
• Autism and Vaccine Safety
• Help for People with Autism