AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS (ASDs)

Autism Spectrum Disorders or ASDs are a group of complex developmental disabilities that typically appear during the first three years of life and affect a person's ability to communicate and interact with others. Specific diagnostic categories for ASDs are:

• Autism
• Asperger Syndrome
• Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified – PDD-NOS
• Rett’s Syndrome or Rhett’s Syndrome
• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

People with ASDs typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions and leisure or play activities.

It is important to understand that regardless of the specific diagnosis, persons on the autism spectrum can learn, function productively, and show gains from appropriate education and interventions.

If you have any questions or concerns about the development of your child you should talk with your pediatrician.

FAMILY INFORMATION AND SUPPORT RESOURCES:

• Child Development Infoline - http://www.ctunitedway.org/cdi.html
• Autism Society of Connecticut – http://www.autismsocietyofct.org/
• Austim Society of America- http://www.autism-society.org
• Connecticut Autism Spectrum Resource Center –http://www.ct-asrc.org
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention –http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.htm
• National Institute of Mental Health –http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-pervasive-developmental-disorders/index.shtml
• National Early Childhood TA Center - http://www.nectac.org/topics/autism/autism.asp
• National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities-http://www.nichcy.org/pubs/factshe/fs1txt.htm
• Autism Speaks - http://www.autismspeaks.org/?gclid=CKCuza-C1pMCFSj2QAodGDjCiA

TO FIND PROVIDERS IN CONNECTICUT’S COMMUNITY RESOURCES DATABASE:

Search by service names:

• Parent Support Groups * Autism
• Health/Disability Related Support Groups * Autism
• Disease/Disability Information * Autism
• Supported Living Services for Adults with Disabilities *Autism
• Special Libraries * Autism
• Case/Care Management * Autism
• Education Advocacy Groups
• Special Education Advocacy Groups
• Individual Advocacy * Disabilities Issues
• Disability Rights Groups
• Parent to Parent Networking
• Speakers/Speakers Bureaus * Autism

-----------------------------------------------

SOURCE: Autism Society of Connecticut
PREPARED BY: 211/lb
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: June2011