Upcoming Events
- 3/24/2010
- Next Steps Workshop
- A comprehensive workshop presented by Variety, CHOP, & CAR for families whose child has just received …read more...
- 3/27/2010
- New Please Touch Museum Event for Children with Autism!
- Join Variety for our first ever Please Touch Museum event! It will be an evening of …read more...
- All Events »
Introduction to Autism
Contact:
Contact Our Call Center; for information and resources:
215.735.0803
Marissa Tabak, Director of Autism Resource Center
Phone: (610) 584-4366 x1044
E-Mail:
Tricia Timbers, Playgroup Leader
Phone: (610) 584-4366 x1044
E-Mail:
Facts
- Autism affects 1 in 150 births.
- There is a 4:1 ratio of boys to girls.
- Autism crosses all barriers: racial, ethnic, religious, social, cultural, economic, educational, etc.
- Autism is a spectrum disorder, and although it is defined by a certain set of behaviors, children and adults with autism can exhibit any combination of these behaviors in any degree of severity. Two individuals with the same diagnosis are very likely to be very different from one another.
Possible Characteristics
- Insistence on sameness; resistance to change
- Possibly using gestures or pointing instead of words
- Echolalia, repeating words or phrases
- Laughing (and/or crying) for no apparent reason
- Preference to being alone
- Difficulty in mixing with others
- Not wanting to cuddle or be cuddled
- Little or no eye contact
- Sustained odd play; lining toys up, spinning objects
- Obsessive attachment to objects
- Apparent over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity to pain
- No real fears of danger, or excessive fears
- Noticeable physical over-activity or extreme under-activity
- Uneven gross/fine motor skills
- Acts as if deaf, although hearing tests in normal range.
*as described by the Autism Society of America
Our Mission
- To give families a place to turn to, to provide connection, belonging and information.
- To coordinate resources and help families understand the various systems (education, medical and behavioral health) and how to access these various services.
- To connect parents and care givers to community resource providers including support groups, educational workshops, therapy services and others.
- To enhance quality of life opportunities for families and care givers which match family lifestyle and advocacy needs.
- To work collaboratively and partner with other resource support networks in order to expand the umbrella of aid that children and their families receive in the Delaware Valley: primarily in Montgomery, Bucks, Delaware, and Philadelphia counties.
