What can be done?

REFERRALS

At this time the cause of autism is unknown and

Your physician has decided that your child may
benefit from the following referrals
(N/A means not applicable)
Autism...
there is no known cure.
Developmental A Pa r e n t G u i d e
There is a known genetic predisposition. Pediatrician / Specialist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Early Intervention. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Early Intervention, (EI) Hearing Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Initial EI strategies may include Speech Therapy Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

teaching the child to notice
what is going on in their
environment, to be able to
pay attention, to
imitate behavior, and later
progressing to
communications
skills, etc.
Other Specialists
Your doctor will refer you to the appropriate
services and specialists depending on your child’s
individual needs.
Occupational Therapy Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Physical Therapy Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gastro-intestinal Specialist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OTHER RESOURCES
Local Support Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Family Counseling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
www.oregonautism.com
CDC Autism Information Center:
www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dd/aic/cdc/default.htm
NIH Autism Website: www.nichd.nih.gov/autism/
From the office of:

If your child has any physical problems such as

bowel issues, your doctor will investigate these
and provide appropriate treatment.

Some children with autism

may need speech,
occupational and /
Check out our website for more information.
or physical therapy.
Your physician
will refer you
appropriately.
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www.helpautismnow.com
 What is Autism? Other Issues
You have just been told
Sensory Issues:
by your doctor that your May have difficulty
with clothing, noise,
child has or may have music, lights, smells,
bathing, any new
situation.
autism.
Social Deficits: May
...it feels like your whole world has come
show no interest
to an end. Self-Injurious Behaviors:
in Peek-a-boo or other interactive games.
May have biting,
...all the dreams and hopes you have for head-banging,
your child seem shattered. ripping at skin
and hair.
This is exactly how many parents feel.
It is a natural reaction to such
devastating news.
Some children may have
Gastro-Intestinal Problems
Communications Issues: such as diarrhea, constipation,
BUT you are NOT alone.
May not communicate bloody stool, undigested food
typically by verbalizing or pointing; instead they in stool, frequent vomiting,
Your physician wants to help.
may “hand-lead” to the desired object. May have and food sensitivities.
decreased eye-contact.
At one time autism was considered rare
and hopeless, but this is no longer true. Motor Issues:
Many children with autism, especially May be unable to pick
with early intervention, make considerable up small objects, appear
improvements and may even mainstream clumsy, have balance
into regular classrooms. and coordination
difficulties.
Your physician will provide you with
resources and referrals that can
profoundly affect your child’s outcome
Autism is a “catch-all” word that is applied
Bizarre / Repetitive Behaviors: to a group of symptoms, some of which are
for the better. Such as staring at ceiling fans for shown above. These occur in varying
hours, spinning, rocking, flapping degrees depending on the individual child.
and flicking their fingers.