AUTISM
We frequently add to the list of books on autism available through Special Kids Place Store. Please check for our latest additions.
What is Autism?
Autism (sometimes called “classical autism”) is the most common condition in a group of developmental disorders known as the autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).
Autism is characterized by three distinctive behaviors. Autistic children have difficulties with social interaction, display problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and exhibit repetitive behaviors or narrow, obsessive interests. These behaviors can range in impact from mild to disabling. Autism varies widely in its severity and symptoms and may go unrecognized, especially in mildly affected children or when more debilitating handicaps mask it. Scientists aren’t certain what causes autism, but it’s likely that both genetics and environment play a role.
Is there any treatment?
There is no cure for autism. Therapies and behavioral interventions are designed to remedy specific symptoms and can bring about substantial improvement. The ideal treatment plan coordinates therapies and interventions that target the core symptoms of autism: impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and obsessive or repetitive routines and interests. Most professionals agree that the earlier the intervention, the better.
What is the prognosis?
For many children, autism symptoms improve with treatment and with age. Some children with autism grow up to lead normal or near-normal lives. Children whose language skills regress early in life, usually before the age of 3, appear to be at risk of developing epilepsy or seizure-like brain activity. During adolescence, some children with autism may become depressed or experience behavioral problems. Parents of these children should be ready to adjust treatment for their child as needed.
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When their son Shawn was diagnosed with autism in 1970, Connie and Harvey Lapin found there were virtually no services and almost no information available. Autism was still considered to be part of mental illness. The situation didn’t just create a family in crisis, it created two activists. Connie and Harvey have dedicated their lives to creating positive change for people and families with autism. For over 30 years, the Lapins have pushed the envelope for services, education and rights.
http://autismandactivism.com
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Autism Blog by Julie L., Central Michigan
As a parent of a child with autism, she wants to make a positive difference in her community and beyond. The primary goal of this blog is to provide tips and information to parents and teachers that might help a person with autism navigate this world.
http://www.autism-blog.net/
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ASA-Los Angeles is a 501 (c) 3, non-profit organization that provides information, referral, support, and advocacy empowerment for the Autism Community. ASA-Los Angeles is associated with:
8939 S Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 110-788
Los Angeles, CA 90045
(562) 804-5556
contact@asa-la.org
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Researchers from the Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have collaborated to uncover important new insights into the neurological basis of autism. Their new study, published in the journal Nature Neuroscience, examined patterns of movement as children with autism and typically developing children learned to control a novel tool. The findings suggest that children with autism appear to learn new actions differently than do typically developing children. As compared to their typically developing peers, children with autism relied much more on their own internal sense of body position (proprioception), rather than visual information coming from the external world to learn new patterns of movement. Furthermore, researchers found that the greater the reliance on proprioception, the greater the child’s impairment in social skills, motor skills and imitation.
The Mission of Jay Nolan Community Services, Inc. (JNCS) is to enable individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other Developmental Disabilities to live fulfilling lives as members of the community by providing support services customized to their individual needs.
MAIN OFFICE (mailing address)
15501 San Fernando Mission Blvd., Suite 200
PO Box 9604
Mission Hills, CA 91346-9604
(818) 361-6400
info@jaynolan.org
Los Angeles Office
4607 Prospect Avenue
Los Angeles , CA 90027
(323) 805-0207
San Jose Office
1190 S. Bascom Avenue, Suite 240
San Jose, CA 95128
(408) 293-5002
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Families with Autism Helping Families with Autism
Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) provides information, resources, and support to families affected by autism. For families who have just received the autism diagnosis, TACA aims to speed up the cycle time from the autism diagnosis to effective treatments. TACA helps to strengthen the autism community by connecting families and the professionals who can help them, allowing them to share stories and information to help people with autism be the best they can be.
TACA Headquarters
3070 Bristol Street #340
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(949 640-4401
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