April is Autism Awareness Month
Join Fraser in a national effort to gain visibility for autism, our country's fastest growing developmental disability. Autism spectrum disorders now affect 1 in 150 children. Autism is more common than juvenile diabetes, childhood cancer and AIDS combined. Sadly, every 20 minutes another child is diagnosed with autism.
But there is hope! Early diagnosis and intervention are extremely important to the progress a child with autism can make. It is our hope that increased awareness will lead to more programs and services for children with autism spectrum disorders. Help Fraser promote autism awareness by sharing this web page (or printer-friendly format) with friends and family.
What is autism?
Autism is a neurologically-based developmental disability that affects the way a child’s brain develops and the ability to communicate, reason and interact with others.
What does it mean that autism is a "spectrum" disorder?
In a spectrum disorder, symptoms and characteristics present themselves in a wide variety of combinations, from mild to severe and in any combination.
What is Asperger's disorder?
In layman's terms, Asperger's is a disorder on the autism spectrum. Individuals with Asperger's disorder are often considered mildly affected by autism in the sense that there are no significant language and cognitive delays. Persons with Asperger's experience impairments in social interactions and restriction in activities.
What are the signs of autism?
Parents, teachers and medical professionals may look for these behaviors:
- not responding to name;
- doesn't point to wave goodbye;
- used to say a few words, but now doesn't;
- intense tantrums;
- odd movement (twirling, flapping, rocking);
- poor eye contact;
- unusual attachment to objects or schedules;
- lining up items in a certain order.
Having one or more of these signs indicates the need for a developmental screening.
When should a child be evaluated for autism?
Most pediatricians perform a developmental screening at well-child visits during the preschool years. These screenings allow the doctor to monitor the child’s development and to look for any red flags . If the doctor has reason for concern, he/she will refer the family to a specialist (such as Fraser) for an evaluation. At Fraser, autism evaluations are performed by a multidisciplinary team which may include a psychologist, speech therapist and other professionals.
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Fraser — a leader in autism services
Fraser provides extensive services including diagnosis, treatment and support for children and adults with autism spectrum disorders and their families. Fraser uses a multidisciplinary approach and partners with each family to determine which services are the best fit.
Fraser is a national leader in getting autism resources to families sooner. Some Fraser services are provided to parents who are waiting to receive a clinical autism evaluation.
Fraser has begun to see children under 1 year of age. Research shows that early intervention is extremely important and that many children who receive services at an early age make great strides.
If you or someone you know needs services related to an autism spectrum disorder or other cognitive disability, please call 612-331-9413 or schedule an evaluation.
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Attend an autism seminar taught by Fraser experts
Our seminars are designed for parents, teachers, care providers, social workers and others interested in gaining practical knowledge and skills. Fraser seminars are taught by experts with many years of experience.
Look and Learn — Visual Strategies Workshop
April 8 and April 13, 2009
Play to Talk Workshop
April 27, 2009
What's Next? A Workshop for Families of Children with Autism
May 4, 2009
Overview of Autism and Basic Inclusion Strategies
May 14, 2009
Picture This: Changing the Look of Autism
June 18 and 19, 2009
Products for children with autism
Fraser offers a variety of products to assist children with autism — social story CDs, autism awareness magnets, visual support tools, and educational books. Shop our online store and order with confidence through our convenient and secure site. Proceeds from the sale of these products benefit Fraser.
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Autism awareness products
Show your support of a friend or family member with autism with these products to help raise awareness of the disorder, including autism ribbon magnets and "I Love Someone with Autism" T-shirts. Proceeds from the sale of these products benefit Fraser.
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Resources for parents and professionals
Download a free copy of the Fraser Autism Resource Directory, a valuable tool that helps parents navigate the complex educational and medical service system.
Find a variety of helpful tips related to autism spectrum disorders, including: developing coping skills, choosing a dental provider, making a weighted blanket, and many more.
Support Fraser autism services; make a donation today!
Each year, Fraser serves thousands of children and adults affected by autism. Many more families are waiting for help. Fraser needs your support to help us make critical autism services available to more families. Please make a donation today.
