APRIL IS AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates one in 110 children in the United States is identified with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), making it the second most common developmental disability. The onset of autism usually occurs by the age of three, and early intervention is essential to increase the chance of a positive outcome. Although there is no cure, children who have autism can develop and improve skills that will allow them to live healthy and meaningful lives with treatment and parental support.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a group of developmental disabilities that impact communication skills, social interaction and behavior. ASDs affect individuals differently and with varying degrees of severity. Individuals with an ASD typically have difficulty understanding verbal and nonverbal communication and learning appropriate ways of relating to other people, objects and events.
Each year during the month of April, we join with organizations across the nation to raise awareness of autism. Our goal is to help children and families find resources and services to meet their needs. You can help us by posting "Autism affects 1 in 110 children in the US. Help provide the services they need by supporting www.depelchin.org." as your Facebook or Twitter status, by volunteering with or donating to organizations that provide autism services, and by being a friend to children who have autism and their families.
DePelchin Autism Services
DePelchin Autism Services helps to address an increasing need for autism services in our community. DePelchin offers services to help families through the entire process of treating autism from evaluation and assessment to an individualized course of action for the child and family. The following resources are provided:
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) assessment
• Psychiatric evaluation
• Medication assessment
• Classes for parents
• Individualized plan of action
• Advocacy to schools
• Support groups for parents, siblings and children who have autism
• Individual, family, and group therapy
There are four components offered by DePelchin Autism Services: Assessment, Social Thinking Academy, Family Talks and the Information Series.
Initially, parents receive a complete report including assessment results, recommendations and information on available resources. The Social Thinking Academy is a group for children who have autism. Through this group therapy approach, children learn specific social interaction skills. Family Talks is a support group available to parents and siblings of children who have autism. Parent groups address various topics of raising a child who has autism, while sibling groups offer information to help them understand their brother or sister. Parents and caretakers can also benefit from the Information Series, a series of lectures on topics relevant to raising a child who has autism.
“Coping with and treating autism requires a commitment from the whole family,” says Rachel Halpern, DePelchin Autism Services coordinator. “This program gives families access to tools, support and guidance all in one location. DePelchin’s caring and supportive staff has years of professional experience with children and families and provides compassionate, inspiring care to every member of the family.”
Although ASDs affect individuals differently and with varying degrees of severity, children who have autism may exhibit the following symptoms:
• Problems with social, behavioral and communication skills
• Severe language deficits or differences
• Imitation of words or phrases
• Repetitive actions
For more information on DePelchin Autism Services, call 713-802-7758.
Media Contact:
Jerry Heinold
713-802-7651
jheinold@depelchin.org
