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Autism Spectrum Disorder in {{lpg_city}} {{lpg_state}}, sometimes referred to as ASD, is a neurological disorder that affects 1 out of every 68 children, depending on the study conducted. A diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder now includes several disorders that used to be diagnosed separately: autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder – not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger’s Syndrome. Autism affects a child’s ability to interact with others, communicate, play, and learn. These disorders affect the brain, and may also affect areas like immune systems, gastric systems, or metabolic systems. Autism Spectrum Disorder in {{lpg_city}} {{lpg_state}} may look very different from one child to another, because of the wide range of intensity, symptoms and behaviors. Children with autism generally have deficits or excesses in 3 areas:
A diagnosis of autism may be given by a pediatrician, family doctor, neurologist, psychologist, psychiatrist or other mental health professional. School district staff may also give a diagnosis, in order to qualify a child for school-based services. While there is no cure for autism, significant improvements in behavior, communication, and social functioning can be made through ABA therapy. At Acuity Behavior Solutions, we are dedicated to improving the lives of children with autism and their families. Autism Spectrum Disorder is a term that includes Asperger’s Syndrome, and Autistic disorder, as well as Pervasive Developmental Disability. After ABA therapy, a child with autism generally demonstrates fewer of the symptoms of autism and functions in ways closer to typically developing children. Children with autism can learn to become more independent and self-sufficient through ABA therapy. Many children who have autism are diagnosed between the ages of 18 months and 3 years, but the diagnosis can be given earlier or later than these ages. Autism is much more common in boys than girls – about 4 boys are diagnosed with autism for every 1 girl diagnosed.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html
About Autism Spectrum Disorders, including prevalence, symptoms, and developmental milestones for typical development
National Institute of Mental Health
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd/index.shtml
Information about Autism Spectrum Disorder
Association for Science in Autism Treatment
http://www.asatonline.org
Research and articles about effective autism treatments
Behavior Analysis Certification Board
Information about Board Certified Behavior Analysts, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and guidelines for delivery of behavioral services
Regional Center Directory
http://www.dds.ca.gov/rc/rclist.cfm
Resources and information about state disability services
Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies
http://www.behavior.org/
Resources and videos about Autism and ABA
Autism Speaks
https://www.autismspeaks.org
Autism and ABA information for parents and professionals
National Conference of State Legislatures
http://www.ncsl.org/research/health/autism-and-insurance-coverage-state-laws.aspx
State laws regarding insurance funding for autism – including CA mandate for insurance coverage of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Network International (ANI)
https://autreat.com/
Self-advocacy information for individuals with autism
Autism Science Foundation
http://www.autismsciencefoundation.org/
Research, funding, and autism support
Autism Speaks, Inc.
http://www.autismspeaks.org
Autism events, news, and resources.
Autism Research Institute (ARI)
http://www.autismresearchinstitute.com
Research about Autism and related disorders