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| Welcome to the Autism Society of New Hampshire Home Page! |
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| The Autism Society of New Hampshire is dedicated to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Individuals with ASD have the right and capability to pursue happiness, make meaningful choices, and realize their full potential. Through education, advocacy, and support the Society hopes to foster the understanding, unqualified acceptance, and genuine appreciation of individuals with ASD The Autism Society of New Hampshire is a non-profit organization consisting of individuals with ASD, families, professionals, friends, and community members. The Autism Society of New Hampshire is a chapter of the Autism Society of America. What is Autism? Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. The result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, autism and its associated behaviors have been estimated to occur in as many as 1 in 150 births (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2007). Roughly translated, this means as many as 1.5 million Americans today are believed to have some form of autism, and this number is on the rise. Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than girls and knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries. Family income, lifestyle, and educational levels do not affect the chance of autism's occurrence. Autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Children and adults with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. The disorder makes it hard for them to communicate with others and relate to the outside world. In some cases, aggressive and/or self-injurious behavior may be present. Persons with autism may exhibit repeated body movements (hand flapping, rocking), unusual responses to people or attachments to objects and resistance to changes in routines. Individuals may also experience sensitivities in the five senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste. Over 1.5 million people in the U.S. today have autism or some form of pervasive developmental disorder. Its prevalence rate makes autism one of the most common developmental disabilities. Yet most of the public, including many professionals in the medical, educational, and vocational fields, are still unaware of how autism affects people and how they can effectively work with individuals with autism. What is PDD? Several related disorders are grouped under the broad heading "Pervasive Developmental Disorder" or PDD-a general category of disorders which are characterized by severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development (American Psychiatric Association 1994). A standard reference is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM), a diagnostic handbook now in its fourth edition. The DSM-IV lists criteria to be met for a specific diagnosis under the category of Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Diagnosis is made when a specified number of characteristics listed in the DSM-IV are present. Diagnostic evaluations are based on the presence of specific behaviors indicated by observation and through parent consultation, and should be made by an experienced, highly trained team. Thus, when professionals or parents are referring to different types of autism, often they are distinguishing autism from one of the other pervasive developmental disorders. (Reprint from the Autism Society of America) Want more information on Autism Diagnosis and Consultation? What is Asperger's Syndrome? IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT: 1. Talk to your child's doctor. If you don't have a doctor, call the VNA (224-4093). 2. For children under 3: * Call the Area Agency for Developmental services (Early Intervention) and * Check out the Early Supports and Services (ESS) Directory 3. For children over 3: * Contact your local school district * 7 Steps in the NH Special Education Process * Contact your schools Special Ed Director 4. Attend a Conference or workshop! 5. Learn more about Autism, Take A Free Online Course, Autism 101 With intensive intervention, 50 percent of children diagnosed with the disorder before the age of 5 go on to attend mainstream schools. Know your rights: The government mandates services. Consult the National Information Center for Children and Youth With Disabilities |
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