Autism & Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism is a developmental brain disorder with physical and behavioral components. It affects the brain areas controlling language, social interaction, and abstract thought.

Symptoms may include:

• Communication difficulties
• Emotional problems
• Intellectual disability
• Sensitivity to sensory stimuli

Autism spectrum disorders include pervasive developmental disorder, Asperger syndrome, Retts syndrome, and childhood disintegrative disorder; any of these terms may be used interchangeably with the term autism.

Services that may be beneficial for a child with autism include:

• Educational training
• Speech therapy
• Language therapy
• Medication
• Occupational therapy

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Where can I find further information?

Autism Information
National Center for Medical Home Implementation
Lists American Academy of Pediatrics clinical reports, policy statements, and resources for professionals and families. the website also includes external resources.

Autism Society of America
Embraces an overall philosophy which chooses to empower individuals with autism and their parents or caregivers to make choices best suited to the needs of the person with autism.

Autism Speaks
Provides information on the causes, prevention, and treatments for autism while working to increase awareness for autism spectrum disorders and advocate for individuals with autism and their families.

Autism Spectrum Disorders (PDF - 110 KB)
Adoption Resources of Wisconsin & Foster Care and Adoption Resource Center (2008)
Provides a tip sheet for Wisconsin foster and adoptive parents describing the characteristics of children and youth with autism spectrum disorders.

Autism Spectrum Disorders
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Discusses the three types of ASDs, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, causes and risk factors, who's affected, and whom to contact if you believe your child may have ASD.

Autism Spectrum Disorders
ZERO TO THREE, 28(3), 2008
View Abstract
Outlines symptoms, treatments, and early intervention approaches for autism spectrum disorders.

Autism Spectrum Disorders
National Dissemination Center for Children With Disabilities
Presents the characteristics of autism spectrum disorders, the specific disorders on the autism spectrum, tips for parents and teachers, and more.

Families of Young Children With Autism
Bloch & Weinstein
Social Work in Mental Health, 8(1), 2010
View Abstract
Reviews the impact of autism on the family system and addresses the needs of the children and their families.

MAAP Services for Autism and Asperger Syndrome
A nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information and advice to families of more advanced individuals with autism, Asperger syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder.

The Prevalence and Correlates of Abuse Among Children with Autism Served in Comprehensive Community-Based Mental Health Settings
Mandell, Walrath, Manteuffel, & Sgro
Child Abuse and Neglect, 29(12), 2005
View Abstract
Determines the demographic and psychosocial correlates of physical and sexual abuse among children with autism.

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