What is Autism?
Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the U.S. today. In March2014 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the prevalence rate for autism is now 1 in 68.
It is a neurological disorder that interferes with normal development of the brain. It affects the ability to interact socially and to effectively communicate. People with autism often have difficulties with verbal and non-verbal communication, leisure and play activities, and social relationships.
The word Autism is derived from the word Auto meaning self. People with autism often appear self-absorbed. This makes it difficult for them to interact with the outside world. They may also experience sensitivities to touch, sound, sight, taste, and smell. In some cases, aggressive or self-injurious behavior may be present. Individuals with autism may insist on sameness and have difficulty with changes in routine. Unusual, repetitive body movements, such as hand flapping or rocking, may also be present.
Typically, autism appears within the first three years of life. It is four times more likely to occur in boys. It is equally likely to occur across racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic lines.
Autism is also called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Several related disorders are grouped under the broad category “Pervasive Developmental Disorder
(PDD)”.This term is used to denote that anindividual affected by autism may have some characteristics andnot others. Individuals who are diagnosed under the category PDD exhibit commonalitiesin behavior associated withcommunication and social skills. There are five diagnoses within this group: Autism Disorder, Asperger's’ Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Delay, Not Otherwise Specified (atypical autism), Rhett’s Disorder, and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder.
How is Autism Diagnosed?
A diagnosis of Autism is made through observation of behavior and elimination of other possible diagnoses within the PDD category. Since the characteristics of autism vary so much, a multidisciplinary team, which may include a neurologist, psychologist, developmentalpediatrician, speech and language therapist, and other professionals knowledgeable about autism should be consulted.
What Causes Autism?
Although a specific cause for autism is not known at this time, many researchers link the disorder to biological or neurological differences in the brain.
In some families there appears to be a pattern of autism and/or related disabilities, which suggests a genetic cause.Multiple theories continue to be investigated to determine a cause of
Autism including environmental and
other theories. Several myths about
autism and other PDD diagnoses have been proven to be false.
Autism is NOT caused by poor parenting. Children with autism are NOT unruly children who chose not to behave.
What are People with Autism Like?
People with autism are as individual as people without it! There are great differences between people with this diagnosis. Some people are mildly affected; others are more severely affected. Symptoms of Autism may include some or all of the following:
Communication - Language develops slowly or not at all; may echo words or phrases; may be delays in expressive and receptive language.
Social Interaction - Prefers to spend time alone; shows little interest in peers; less responsive to social cues such as smiles and eye contact; little or no eye contact.
Sensory Impairment – May have sensory sensitivities or deficits
Play – Lack of spontaneous or imaginary play; does not imitate actions of others; difficulty understanding the rules of a game
Other Behavior – may be overactive or passive; may tantrum excessively; perseverates (obsessive interests in an object, topic, or sound); may show aggression to self or others; often has difficulty with changes in routine.
A Behavioral Checklist
People with autism may possess the
Followingcharacteristics in various combinations and degrees of severity:
·Sustained unusual, repetitive play
·May avoid eye contact
·Difficulty in expressing needs
·Unusual attachment to objects
·Insistence on sameness
·Echoes words or phrases
·Appears to be deaf
·Spins objects or self
·Rocks self
·Difficulty mixing with others
·Marked over activity
·May prefer to be alone
·No real fear of danger
·Inappropriate laughing or giggling
Is There Any Hope?
Absolutely! Evidence shows that intensive early intervention results in dramatically positive results for children with autism.Effective approaches may be:inclusion, behaviorally-basedinterventions, extensive use of visuals, highly structured scheduled activities, parent and staff training, social skills training, and work training. Any approach should be flexible, rely on positive reinforcement, be re-evaluated on a regular basis, and provide transitions from home to school to community-based activities. The focus of the program should be to enhance personal freedom and promote interaction with their communities.
We Can Help!
Autism Society of America is the oldest and largest grassroots organization within the autism community and the respected voice for over 40 years. Autism Society maintains a national office to furnish legislators and government agencies with information about the needs of people with autism. They work closely with reputable research agencies to promote new discoveries about causes, treatments, and prevention of autism.
Our History
For over thirty-eightyears Autism Society-Louisiana (LSAC) has been providing help and support to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as an affiliate of Autism Society of America.
We provide biennial statewide educational conferences with professionals in the field of autism presenting current information for families and professionals. On alternate years, when possible, workshops for professionals and families are provided.
Our state resource guide and current educational materials are distributed as needed; and, support and assistance through our 800 phone line is available as needed. Families are also connected to their local chapters for additional support.
Updates on information affecting the autism community in our state are distributed through our quarterly newsletter, website and our extended outreach programs.
AutismSociety-Louisiana (LSAC) collaborates with DOE, DHH and other state entities as needed for services affecting the autism community statewide; and, LSAC works with other support organizations to educate legislators in regard to the needs of Louisiana citizens with autism.
Our Mission: To provide information, advocacy and support for individuals with ASD and their families; to help families identify qualified professionals in their communities; to assist families in securing benefits and services provided by law; and, to promote lifelong opportunities for persons with autism spectrum disorder in order to be fully included members of their communities.
Our Vision: All individuals affected by ASD will enjoy better quality lifestyles.
TargetPopulation: All persons with ASD throughout Louisiana.
You Can Help!
You can help your child deal with the challenges of autism by learning more about ASD and obtaining the best possible diagnosis, assessment, and treatment.
You can obtain the latest information about autism by reading the state newsletter and the national Autism Society publication “The Advocate”.
You can learn about pending federal and state legislation that affect people with autism by contacting us and becoming part of our outreach community.
You can join us in our efforts to improve programs in schools and communities serving people with autism. You can network with us to discover how other families have coped with issues that arise from ASD.
Join Us!
Join online at:
or simply fill out this form and send to us. We’ll do the rest!
Membership Levels:
$40 ~ Household $75 ~ Champion
$150 ~ Professional $1,500 ~ Lifetime
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(if none, write “at large”)
Chapters of Autism Society- Louisiana:
Acadiana, Baton Rouge, Bayou, New Orleans and Southwest
Benefits of Joining Autism Society:
·Receive Autism Society's quarterly magazine, the Autism Advocate, a leading source of information on autism-related issues.
·Valuable resource information and advocacy for autism-related issues
·Receive a 5% discount when you shop at our online store.
·Receive our quarterly state newsletter with information on events around the state, educational opportunities and up-to-date information on autism and resources available.
Louisiana
What Parents
Should Know About
AUTISM
Contact Us!
P.O. Box 80162
Baton Rouge, LA 70898
(800) 955-3760
A coalition of chapters dedicated to the
educationandwelfare of children and adults
with disorders of communication