.
.
Access II Brings Home Awards
April is Autism Awareness Month
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that is complex and difficult to understand. ASD is more prevalent than many people realize. It is a “spectrum condition” that affects individuals differently. Signs of ASD usually appear in early childhood and affect a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others.
As of 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the prevalence of autism had risen from 1 in 125 births (in 2004) to 1 in 68 births. There is no known single cause of ASD. Likewise there is no cure. However, with early diagnosis and early intervention, outcomes improve significantly.
A person with ASD might:
* Not respond to their name by 12 months of age
* Not point at objects to show interest (point at an airplane flying over) by 14 months
* Not play "pretend" games (pretend to "feed" a doll) by 18 months
* Avoid eye contact and want to be alone
* Have trouble understanding other people's feelings or talking about their own feelings
* Have delayed speech and language skills
* Repeat words or phrases over and over (echolalia)
* Give unrelated answers to questions
* Get upset by minor changes
* Have obsessive interests
* Flap their hands, rock their body, or spin in circles
* Have unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel
A person on the spectrum might follow many of these behaviors or just a few, and this is not a comprehensive list.
A child does not simply “outgrow” autism. Many do benefit greatly from early intervention. Identifying the signs and getting the right services in place for a young person as early as possible is key to them growing to enjoy a greater quality of life. This begins with recognizing the signs and obtaining an early evaluation from a credible service provider (in NW Missouri this would include the Thompson Center in Columbia MO or Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City MO). Because of the increased demand, the waiting list for an evaluation can be quite long. This makes recognizing the signs early all the more important. There are local doctors and therapists who can assist you while you are waiting on a diagnosis. If you need assistance tapping into resources contact your local Independent Living Center. You may reach Lisa Bowles, the Child Advocate for Access II, at 660-663-2423 Ext. 230. Lisa is available to assist parents of children with disabilities, in particular, when it comes to the child’s educational needs, helping parents navigate the often confusing and always emotional Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process.
References:Center for Disease Control and Prevention Autism Society
We provide FREE services to the elderly and people with disabilities. Our services are free of charge, and consumer choice driven.
*** Some services require that you be Medicaid Eligible, and our TAP phone program is income based***
- **Free In-Home Services(housekeeping, personal care, errands, etc.)
- **Free Consumer Directed Services(housekeeping, med set up, errands, etc.)
- Borrow Medical Equipment for Free(wheel chair, shower bench, commode, etc.)
- FREE Personal Assistant Services through DMH(Youth & Adult, Autism, and other Developmental Disabilities)
- **Free Amplified Telephones (TAP)(hard of hearing or low vision)
- Free Benefits and healthcare planning(SSI, SSDI, Medicare, Medicaid, property tax credits)
- Free Driver’s Education Prep Classes
- Free Employment Services(resumes, interview skills, etc.)
- Borrow a wheelchair lift equipped accessible vanfor Free(for Dr.’s appointments, recreational purposes, etc.)
- Free Independent- Living Skills Training(budgeting, cooking, cleaning etc.)
- Free Child advocacy services(help understanding an IEP, etc.)
- Free Information and referral services
- Peer counseling services
- Free Nursing Home Transition Services(help transitioning out of the nursing home and into the community.)
- Free Anti-Bullying Presentations
- Free Advocacy Services
APRIL 22nd 2017 10am-12pm
DOCKERY PARK POND
GALLATIN, MO
BRING YOUR KIDS OUT FOR A DAY OF FREE FUN! PRIZES WILL BE GIVEN
AWAY!
POLES AND TACKLE PROVIDED BYMO. DEPT. OF CONSERVATION
AGES 0-16