31 Jul Autism Awareness

World Autism Awareness Day

Today is World Autism Awareness Day.  Current statistics show that 1 in 88 children and 1 in 54 boys will be diagnosed with Autism.  One of the biggest challenges for our kids with Autism is communication.  Just like no two people are alike, no two kids with Autism are alike.  Therefore, it is extremely important for therapists to develop a communication system that is unique to your child.  While the PECS system might work for one child, an augmentative communication device might work for another child. Check-out the link below for information regarding an interesting study published in the Journal of Pediatrics regarding speech and severe language delays in children with Autism.  Very promising results!

http://www.autismspeaks.org/science/science-news/many-nonverbal-children-autism-overcome-severe-language-delays

Check-out the following links for more information regarding Autism:

http://www.autismspeaks.org/

http://www.autismsocietypgh.org/

http://www.wpic.pitt.edu/research/CeFAR/

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/detail_autism.htm