Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurological developmental disability that includes autism, Rett's Syndrome, Asperger's Syndrome, and other pervasive developmental disorders. The onset of the disability is generally evident before the age of three and is four times more common in males. Recent statistics estimate that (ASD) occurs in one out of every 250 births and is not isolated to one race, culture or socioeconomic background.

Every person with (ASD) is different. No two people with this disorder have the same characteristics or behave in the same way. Autism can occur by itself or in conjunction with any other disability. Mental retardation often co-exists with autism. (ASD)significantly affects verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction which results in an adverse effect in educational performance. Other characteristics often associated include the following:

  1. Engagement in repetitive activities and stereotyped movements.

  2. Resistance to environmental change or change in daily routines.

  3. Unusual responses to sensory experiences.

                        View Dr. Jennifer Durocher's PowerPoint **

Refer to the following listing of Characteristics of Students with Asperger Syndrome

(ASD) is usually diagnosed by a neurologist or a psychologist. In the schools, a team of professionals, including a school psychologist and the student's parents determine eligibility for autism. There are no medical tests, at this time, to indicate autism.

To date, no cure for autism has been discovered even though several agencies such as the Autism Research Institute (ARI), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR) have an ongoing commitment to investigate causes, prevention and cures for autism.

Early intervention is essential to maximize potential and quality of life for students with autism.  
 

Associations and Organizations:

Autism Research Institute
4182 Adams Avenue
San Diego, CA 92116
619-563-6840 Fax
 http://www.autism.com/ari/contents.html
Autism Society of America
7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 300
Bethesda, MD 20814-3015
800-3Autism, extension 150
 http://www.autism-society.org/
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
 http://www.cec.sped.org/
Family Network on Disabilities
2735 Whitney Road
Clearwater, FL 33160
1-800-825-5736
Local Number: 305 -387-7856
 http://fndfl.org/
FDLRS-South
Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System-South
Exceptional Student Education
5555 S.W. 93 Avenue
Miami, FL 33165
305-274-3501
 http://fdlrs-south.dade.k12.fl.us/
Florida Dept. of Children & Families/Developmental Disabilities
1317 Winewood Blvd., Bldg. 1, Room 325
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0700
850 -488-4877
Local Number: 305 -377-5029
 http://www.state.fl.us/cf_web/
Job Accommodation Network
West Virginia University
918 Chestnut Ridge, Suite 1
P.O. Box 6080
Morgantown, WV 26506-6080
800-526-7263
Medicaid Headquarters
AHCA
P.O. Box 13000
Tallahassee, FL 32317-3000
305 -277-5068
 http://www.fdhc.state.fl.us/
National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR)
414 Wall Street
Research Park
Princeton, New Jersey 08540
609- 430-9160 (toll free: 888-777-NAAR)
e-mail: naar@naar.org
 http://www.naar.org/
Books for Parents

The following books are available from: www.aspergersyndrome.org

  • Trevor, Trevor by Diane Twachtman-Cullen, PhD, CCC-SLP.
  • Asperger's Huh? A Child's Perspective by Rosina G. Schnurr, John Strachan (Illustrator)
  • Asperger's What Does it Mean to Me? by Catherine Faherty.
  • Children with Autism: A Parent's Guide by Michael Powers, Woodbine House, Bethesda, Md (800) 843-7323.
  • Siblings of Children with Autism: A Guide to Families by Sandra L. Harris. Woodbine House, Bethesda, Md.
  • Andy and his Yellow Frisbee by Mary Thompson.
  • Handbook of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders ed. by Donald J. Cohen and Fred R. Volkmar, M.D.
  • Asperger Syndrome Edited by Ami Klin, Ph.D., Fred Volkmar, M.D., & Sara Sparrow, Ph.D.
  • Pervasive Developmental Disorders: Finding a Diagnosis and Getting Help.
  • Emergence: Labeled Autistic (1986) by Granding T. & Scariano, M.; Avena Press, 20 Commercial Blvd., Novato CA 94947-6191.
  • Autism: Information and Resources for Professionals and Parents, 2nd Ed. by Richard L. Simpson and Paull Zionts.
  • Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Transactional Developmental Perspective by Amy M. Wetherby and Barry M. Prizant.
  • Eating an Artichoke: A Mother's Perspective on Asperger Syndrome by Echo R. Fling.
  • It Can Get Better... Dealing with Common Behavior Problems in Young Autistic Children by Paul Dickinson and Liz Hannah.
  • Sibshops: Workshop for Siblings of Children with Special Needs by Donald J. Meyer and Patricia F. Vadasy.
  • From the Classroom to the Workplace, Vol. 1 & Vol. II by Juanita Pritchard & Karla Stone.