Corey's Sound Foundation for Autism
Enriching the lives and increasing public awareness of​ all ​​affected by autism!​​
Autism
​"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world". Nelson Mandela
​What is Autism?
Autism is a neurological disorder that affects the way a person's brain works and can cause people to have unusual traits and characteristics. People with Autism struggle to communicate, form relationships and respond appropriately to their environment. Autism knows no racial, ethnic, or socio-economic boundaries. It is found in every region and country of the world.
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While people with autism share certain characteristics, no two people with autism are alike, thus they are often referred to as autism spectrum disorders or ASD. There is a wide range of levels and skills. Symptoms also present themselves in a wide variety of combinations creating the uniqueness of each person.
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However, everyone with ASD shares common traits such as difficulties with:
* Social Interactions
* Communication Skills
* Repetitive Behaviors
* Limited Interests
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​How Autism is Diagnosed?​
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Autism may be mistaken for hearing loss, emotional disturbance, language disorder, mental retardation or slow development. There are no medical tests which detect autism. A diagnosis is based on behavioral observation, interview, and a comprehensive review of developmental history. A diagnosis is also based upon an assessment done by a neurologist, psychiatrist, psychologist, pediatrician, or the school district.
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Early Intervention is the Key
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The sooner therapy begins, the more likely it will be effective. For children who have autism, the earlier they receive intensitive behavioral treatment, the more substantial their gains will be in communication skills, social abilities, and appropriate behavior.
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Parental involvemet is also a major factor in the success of treatment. Parents are the child's earliest teachers so taking an active role in your child's development is crucial. Through special education, training and support, parents can take a lead role in the development of their child and help them lead happy and productives lives.
Signs
​This list is intended to help parents identify potential signs of autism. Each child is unique!
Social Relationships
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* Lack of a social smile
* Smiles or laughs at inappropriate times
* Avoids social situations
* Prefers not to be hugged or touched OR craves excessive touch/hugs
* Avoids or displays an unusual use of eye contact
* Does not want to be comforted
* Lacks awareness of OR acute awareness of other people and/or their environment
* Struggles playing or interacting appropriatelywith same-age peers
* Lacks or is limited in imaginative/pretend play
* Exhibits limited range of emotion or facial expression
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Communication Difficulties
* Experiences delayed language development
* Has poor language comprehension
* Has limited speech or completely non-verbal
* Repeats words or phrases spoken to them or that they have heard in the past
* Has an unusual manner of talking (i.e. rich vocabulary, monotone or sing-songy quality)
* Has difficulty with the use of abstract language or thinking
* Struggles to appropriately express feelings or emotions​
Repetitive Behaviors
Associated Features
* Fixates on an object or toy or parts of it
* Is overly fascinated by specific topics or areas of interest
* Uses objects in an odd way; spinning or lining up objects
* Engages in unusual attachment to objects
* Struggles with transitions and/or changes in routine or environment
* Has excellent memory OR difficulty remembering/processing simple directions or tasks
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* Experiences difficulty in sleeping, eating, toilet training
* Exhibits sensitivity to or craves touch, sound, or visual stimulation
* Behaves either passively or hyperactively
* Has awkward movements
* Has unusual or extreme fears OR lacks fear or awareness of common dangers
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Information provided by Life Skills