Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a pervasive developmental disorder characterized by severe deficits in social interaction and communication, by an extremely limited range of activities and interests, and often by the presence of repetitive, stereotyped behaviors. ASD is defined by a certain set of behaviors that can range from the very mild to the severe. Though not included in the diagnostic criteria, Sensory Processing Disorder is prevalent among children and adults on the autism spectrum.
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/autism/complete-publication.shtml
Sensory Processing Disorder, also sometimes called Sensory Integration Dysfunction, is a condition in which the brain is an inefficient processor of sensory input. People with sensory processing disorder tend to be either over or under-reactive to sensory input. Any or all of the senses could be affected in varying degrees (taste, touch, smell, hearing and vision). Additionally sensory processing disorder may affect balance, coordination and muscle tone.
http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/index.html
The average age of diagnosis is between 3 and 4 years. Eighteen months is a common age at which parents begin to raise concerns to their child’s physician if there are language delays. In October, 2007, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that all children be screened for autism at eighteen months of age and again at twenty-four months. Ongoing research is aimed at finding ways to diagnose autism earlier.
Asperger Syndrome, on the other hand, is diagnosed later because there are no developmental delays. These children are diagnosed after the age of three, and most are diagnosed between the ages of five and nine.
Children with Asperger Syndrome may:
Autism spectrum disorders can be diagnosed by a psychologist, a psychiatrist, a pediatric neurologist or a developmental pediatrician, preferably working cooperatively with a team of specialists which may include a physical therapist, occupational therapist and a speech/language therapist. In choosing a diagnostician, it is extremely important to consider the degree of knowledge and experience with autism spectrum disorders the Dr. has had.
(Listings here are not an endorsement by BCASC)
Albert Einstein Medical Center
Dev Pediatric Department 215-456-6786
Neurology Dept. 215 456-7190
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Developmental Pediatric Department 215-590-7448
Dr. Mark Yudoff (Chief of Dev. Dept) 215-590-7474
Neurology Department 215-590-1719
Dupont Hospital
Developmental Pediatric Dept. 1-302-651-4511
John Hopkins Medical Center
Developmental Pediatric Dept. 1-410-516-4545
Neurology 1-410-955-4295
Saint Christopher’s Hospital
Developmental Pediatric Dept. 215-427-5531
Neurology 215-427-5470
Hunterdon Medical Center
1-908-788-6100
Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics of the Main Line, James Coplan, MD, PC, 919 Conestoga Rd, Building One, Suite 100, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010, 610-520-2130
http://www.ndpeds.com/
Lehigh Valley 1-484-884-2467
Bucks County 215-997-5730
Exton 610-594-9008
Voorhees, NJ 856-435-1300
Children’s Specialized Hospital 1-908-233-3720
King of Prussia 610-337-3232
Princeton 1-609-520-1717
Springfield 610-328-1600
Mary Lazar, PsyD. and Kristen Herzel, Ph.D., 1 Presidential Blvd., Suite 204
Bala Cynwyd, PA. 610-645-5668, http://www.home.earthlink.net/~kherzel/
Karen P. Kelly, PhD, 987 Old Eagle School Rd., Ste. 719, Wayne, PA 19087 (484) 557-5666 http://www.drkarenkelly.com/
Michael P. Freidman, Ed.D, NCSP Freidman Associates, Licensed Psychologist & Certified School Psychologist, 15 Presidential Blvd.
Suite 202, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004, 610-667-6269
Mary Riggs Cohen, Ph.D., Director, Autism Spectrum Resource Center,
14 South State Street, Newtown, PA 18940 (215) 860-3743
Alan T. Sohn, 26 1/2 S. State Street, Newtown, PA 18940, 215-968-8684
James J. Stone, PsyD {BCASC Board Member} & Dr. Mary Riggs Cohen, The Center for Neuropschology and Counseling, PC, 1243 Easton Rd, Suite 203, Warrington, PA, 18976, 215-491-1119
www.TheCenterinWarrington.com
John C. Williams, Licensed Psychologist 171 S. Main Street, Doylestown PA, 18901, 215-230-3980
There is currently no medical test that can diagnose an autism spectrum disorder. Diagnosis involves interviews, observations and evaluations. Some tests developed specifically for diagnosing autism include
There is no one treatment that is guaranteed to work for all children with autism. But there is general agreement that early intervention is important. But whenever you start or whatever treatments you choose, it is important that the treatments address the specific needs of the child.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Floortime therapy are two early intervention therapies that have been documented as effective in helping many children.
All children with autism will need speech therapy and occupational therapy. Some may need physical therapy.
Some parents have seen improvement with special diets, vitamins and minerals.
All children with autism will need social skills training that begins with teaching specific skills in isolated settings and gradually generalizes those skills into the real world.
Supporting and teaching children with autism is a team effort that should include the parents, education and medical professionals and peers.
This insurance can help pay for services such as OT, Speech and Behavioral Help as well as other interventions needed for your child.
For more information on what an Access Card is, why it is helpful and how to obtain one, see these links:http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/ServicesPrograms/MedicalAssistance/003670311.htm
Some families have had success with a gluten-free, casein free diet, also known as the GCFC diet. This is essentially the elimination of all wheat and milk products from the child’s diet. These diets are not generally believed to directly treat autism, but are believed to treat gastrointestinal problems which are common in children with autism spectrum disorders.
Dr. Cynthia Molloy, a researcher at the Children's Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, explains the reason why these diets are sometimes helpful: If a child is suffering from chronic diarrhea, constipation, reflux, or another significant gastrointestinal problem, he or she is likely to be uncomfortable. An uncomfortable child is likely to be easily frustrated and quick to anger, and is likely to have challenging behaviors. Gluten (wheat) and cassein (milk) are often the culprits behind such issues. Eliminate the gluten and cassein, and you may eliminate the gastrointestinal problem. Eliminate the problem, and you eliminate the pain. Eliminate the pain, and the frustration, anger and behaviors may well evaporate!
The American Occupational Therapy Association executive board (1976) defines occupational therapy (OT) as: "The therapeutic use of work, self-care, and play activities to increase development and prevent disability. It may include adaptation of task or environment to achieve maximum independence and to enhance the quality of life.
In children with autism, OT is utilized in helping children improve their fine and gross motor skills to improve self-help skills (dressing, opening containers, picking up objects, riding bikes…), handwriting, and to provide a sensory diet to assist children with their unique sensory challenges.
Speech therapy may serve a number of purposes for the child with autism. The most obvious purpose is to teach the nonverbal child language. Speech Therapists also help children to properly pronounce words. But even children on the autism spectrum with perfect language and pronunciation may need the services of a Speech Therapist. This is because children with Autism Spectrum Disorders struggle with language semantics and pragmatics.
Semantics is the aspect of language function that relates to understanding the meanings of words, phrases and sentences, and using words appropriately when we speak.
Pragmatics is the area of language function that embraces the use of language in social contexts (knowing what to say, how to say it, and when to say it - and how to "be" with other people). For more information visit:
http://members.tripod.com/Caroline_Bowen/spld.htm
It is the responsibility of every parent to become familiar with their child’s legal rights. Remember, if you don’t protect your child’s rights, no one else will.
An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is a legally binding document that spells out what special education services your child will receive under IDEA 2004 Regulations and 22 PA Code Chapter 14. This plan must be written to meet your child’s unique needs. IEP meetings must be held at least annually. Parents are equal participants and are an important part of the IEP process.
Revised parent Guide to Special Education for School Age Children:
http://parent.pattan.net/
Sample State Forms (Including IEP):
http://www.pattan.k12.pa.us/regsforms/school-ageformsandformats.aspx
There is a saying – Normal is just a setting on a washing machine. Every child with an autism spectrum is different and every child has unique needs, challenges and abilities. There is every reason to be optimistic. Have a positive outlook and high expectations for your child. Even non-verbal children are more intelligent than they are often given credit for but may need help and assistive technology to communicate their intelligence. Seek intervention as soon as possible to address your child’s core deficits. But try to look beyond the disability and see the ability. Think of your child as “differently-abled.” Observe what interests your child and look for areas of strength. People with autism are very detail-oriented and can excel in many fields, including (but not limited to) the arts, music, computers, math, engineering, the trades, animal care, and science. Adults with autism take great pride in their work and will thrive in a job that fits their abilities. Some people with autism marry and become parents. Others never do, but can still lead fulfilling lives through their jobs and pursuing their interests. Love your child. See your child for the wonderful person that he/she is, and help him/her to build upon his/her strengths so that he/she can reach his/her potential and lead a fulfilling life. Leave “normal” to the washing machine.
In Bucks County, BCASC has a parent support group. Check our website for dates and times. Also, Sharing and Caring is a well-established parent support group that meets monthly. http://www.sharingcaringbuckscounty.org/
Another group that holds meetings throughout the Philadelphia area is the Ascend Group http://www.ascendgroup.org/
If you live in another area of the country, you can find support groups by contacting your nearest chapter of Autism Society of America, joining online support groups for people who live in your area or asking your pediatrician or other health care provider.