What is Autism? A Checklist? My Child Talks ,but? Child is not talking yet Is My Child Delayed? Common Concerns Who are the Experts? Finances Wrap around services Pins and Ribbons

(1) What is autism?
The national ASA chapter has the best description we've found. Click here.
Here is a direct link to the behaviors and skills of a child who may have autism from the National ASA site. A child need not have all of the behaviors to have autism.





(2) Is there some kind of simple checklist to help determine if my child is autistic?
Yes, there is a very simple screening test, commonly referred to as a CHAT test that will give you enough information to take the next step, which is consider taking him to a developmental pediatrician. It does not prove anything, but can be helpful. Also check out FirstSigns.org for a great parent checklist/evaluation tool. Another test commonly used is the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, or CARS, used by professionals.

(3) My child can talk, but his teacher still thinks he has Aspergers.
Aspergers is considered a higher functioning form of autism. To know for sure, find a developmental pediatrician or a psychiatrist or psychologist specializing in children. Only these professionals are clinically trained to diagnose any form of autism.

(4) My child is 3 and not talking yet, does this mean he has autism?
No, first discuss it with your pediatrician. Consider getting your child's hearing and vision tested to rule out these as a factor in his or her delay, then consider taking him to a developmental pediatrician. You can arrange for one yourself. In any event, you should seek services to counter / remediate ANY delay, so that it does not compound into more delays later.





(5) If my child is really delayed in some way, how will I know, and can't we just wait and see if he grows out of it?
If you suspect your child is delayed, first check out the list of typical childhood development milestones found on the National PTA website to be more comfortable. If it turns out that your child does have developmental delays, early intervention services are your greatest gift to your child. Why? Most major research on learning concludes that intervention before age 5 has the greatest chance of reducing/eliminating developmental delays–including autism.. I





(6) Who are the experts on autism around here?
You will find teaching hospitals will have staff that are the most knowledgeable and up to date on autism. The closest to Chester County is 'CHOP' Children's Hospital of Philadelphia- Seashore House , Call their intake coordinator; Carmen Thomas at 215-590-7500. As far as therapists with experience, make sure you ask any professional what their direct experience is with helping a child with autism like yours; for instance, 'a child of 3 with PDD, suspected apraxia and sensory issues'.

(7) What if we can't afford all the tests and services it sounds like our child needs?
If your child is found to have autism, then he or she is considered disabled by federal law. In addition, PA Chapter 14 Special Ed law refers to autism as a 'severe' disability. As such, your child may be eligible for Social Security benefits, (however there are strict income limits.) In the case that you most likely do not qualify for SSI, you are eligible for PA's Medical Assistance, which acts like a secondary insurance for your disabled child, and is not based on income. Additionally, MA pays for most wrap-around services. Also, at this time, medical assistance is retroactive 60 days from the date you are accepted. This will change in March 2002.

(8) Are there common concerns that parents have for kids that eventually get diagnosed with some form of autism?
Yes, according to www.feat.org, the following are the 5 most common concerns expressed by parents to pediatricians prior to the diagnosis of autism:
1. Lack of speech and/or had words and lost them
2. Child seems deaf
3. Child does not make eye contact with parent/caregiver.
4. Child has unusual, odd behaviors including severe tantrums, self-injurious behavior , is difficult to control, engages in self-stimulatory behaviors (flapping, rocking, spinning, etc.)
5. Child ignores or does not play with other children

(9) What are wrap-around services?
For children with the diagnosis of Autism/PDD, a recomendation for wrap-around services is needed in order to receive ABA from a qualified wrap-around provider. Wrap-around services may potentially encompass a TSS worker in the home, TSS worker in the school, a behavior specialist, and access to a mobile family therapist if there are family issues to resolve as well as addressing the child's disability. Wrap-around services may enhance or supplant services offered by your school district or IU.

Note- The national ASA site has a very good set of commonly asked questions as well. Visit them and then click on 'getting started'.

(10) Is there a pin or ribbon I can wear to raise awareness of autism?
Yes, there are both. If you go to a chapter meeting, They  have free puzzle ribbons, as long as supplies lasts. There also is a lovely, small enamel ribbon pin of the same design, for $10 through Cycle USA, which is raising $2 million for autism research.



Also, Unlocking Autism has a gorgeous silver key pin for $50 to raise money for autism awareness, as well as t-shirts.





Information contained on this website is provided to help parents and professionals to understand autism and the services available locally pertaining to treating autism. We do not endorse or recommend any organization or person, and any link or mention in our website in any way should not be construed as such. If you have questions about autism, you should consult a qualified medical professional. © 2000, 2004. Site last updated: December 7, 2004