a handbook for parents of children with autism spectrum disorders
a handbook for parents of children with autism spectrum disorders
a handbook for parents of children with autism spectrum disorders
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INTRODUCTION<br />
Developmental delays can take on many different <strong>for</strong>ms. Autism and<br />
the various Autism Spectrum Disorders are <strong>for</strong>ms <strong>of</strong> developmental<br />
delay. Autism is a neurobiological disorder. Children who have Autism<br />
show impairment in social skills, communication skills, and play, as<br />
well as evidence <strong>of</strong> restricted, repetitive, and stereotypical behaviors.<br />
These impairments can range from mild to severe, which is why they<br />
are <strong>of</strong>ten referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorders.<br />
Determining whether a child may have special needs can be difficult<br />
and overwhelming. This <strong>handbook</strong> was developed to help <strong>parents</strong><br />
and caregivers navigate the Pennsylvania mental health system and<br />
answer many <strong>of</strong> the questions that <strong>of</strong>ten arise when <strong>children</strong> receive<br />
initial evaluations or begin to receive services. It was written from a<br />
parent’s perspective and was designed to provide basic in<strong>for</strong>mation<br />
<strong>for</strong> <strong>parents</strong> about the behavioral health services available to their<br />
<strong>children</strong> and how to access these services.<br />
While there is a great deal <strong>of</strong> in<strong>for</strong>mation included in this <strong>handbook</strong>,<br />
<strong>parents</strong> or caregivers should use the guide in any way that they<br />
choose. We hope that this <strong>handbook</strong> will make it easier <strong>for</strong> <strong>parents</strong><br />
and caregivers to understand both the nature <strong>of</strong> available services<br />
and the processes involved in accessing these services.<br />
Autism Spectrum<br />
Disorders (ASDs)<br />
are a group <strong>of</strong><br />
developmental<br />
disabilities<br />
that can cause<br />
significant social,<br />
communication,<br />
and behavioral<br />
challenges. People<br />
<strong>with</strong> ASDs handle<br />
in<strong>for</strong>mation in their<br />
brain differently than<br />
other people.<br />
“Autism itself is not the enemy... the barriers to<br />
development that are included <strong>with</strong> Autism are the<br />
enemy. The retardation that springs from a lack <strong>of</strong><br />
development is the enemy. The sensory problems that<br />
are <strong>of</strong>ten themselves the barriers are the enemy. These<br />
things are not part <strong>of</strong> who the child is... they are barriers<br />
to who the child is meant to be, according to the<br />
developmental blueprint. Work <strong>with</strong> the child’s strengths<br />
to overcome the weaknesses, and work <strong>with</strong>in the<br />
Autism, not against it, to overcome the developmental<br />
barriers.”<br />
—A person <strong>with</strong> Autism