Autism_info

Autism is the most common of the Pervasive Developmental Disorders, affecting an estimated 1 in 166 births
(Centers for Disease Control Prevention, 2004). Roughly translated, this means as many as 1.5 million
Americans today are believed to have some form of autism. And this number is on the rise.

Signs and Symptoms: (Some early symptoms, please consult with Doctor for full list)
15 words by 15 months (If a child does not speak by this age or speaks few audible words)
Repetitive Play (does the same thing over and over again)
Difficulty Transitioning (does not like to change activities, does not like it when “new “ things are introduced
Does not interact with other children or uses other children or other adults as “tools” i.e. will lead a child or an
adult to an object that he needs but will not speak or interact with the other person.
Spinning, rocking, arm flapping, toe walking
Sensitive to sounds
Sensitive to textures
Does not like to be touched (some children with autism actually DO like to be cuddled)
May play in a room with other children but is not really engaged in activity with the children
Does not socialize with other children of the same age
Does not make eye contact with parents or caregivers
May become rigid or stiff when hugged by parents or siblings
Spoken words may only be “echoed” or parroted from others (i.e. you say “how are you?” child says “how
are you?”) This is known as echolalia-pronounced echo lay lee a

Applied Behavior Analysis: This approach generally involves therapists who work intensely,
one-on-one with a child for 20 to 40 hours/week. Children are taught skills in a simple step-by-step
manner, such as teaching colors one at a time. The sessions usually begin with formal, structured drills,
such as learning to point to a color when its name is given; and then, after some time, there is a shift
towards generalizing skills to other situations and environments.

ABA programs are most effective when started early, (before age 5 years), but they can also be helpful
to older children. They are especially effective in teaching non-verbal children how to talk.

Other Therapies Include:
Speech, Occupational, Physical, Sensory Integration, Hippotherapy, Service Dogs utilized
as companions or integrated within therapy ,Martial Arts, Yoga, Meditation