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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) begins before the age of 3. Some children with ASD show hints of future problems within the first few months of life. In others, symptoms may not show up until 24 months or later. Some children with ASD seem to develop normally until around 18 to 24 months of age and then they stop gaining new skills, or they lose the skills they once had ( Refer to the possible "Red Flags" ). Studies have shown that one third to half of parents of children with ASD noticed a problem before their child's first birthday, and nearly 80-90% saw problems by 24 months of age. Early identification leads to early intervention. Don't 'wait and see!'
 

Face Autism uses the Autistic Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) which is a standardized observation tool designed to assess behaviors related to autism or ASD. Previous versions of the ADOS (Lord, Rutter, & Goode, 1989) and the Pre-Linguistic Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (PL-ADOS: DiLavore, Lord, & Rutter, 1995) have been combined into this single instrument.  The ADOS is a semi-structured, standardized assessment of communication, social interaction, and play or imaginative use of materials for individuals because of possible autism or an autistic spectrum disorders.   It provides standardized information concerning areas of social behavior, use of vocalizations/speech and gesture in social situations, and play and interests.  The ADOS is conducted by a certified Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist and Certified P.L.A.Y. Project Therapist.

Fill out the intake form and mail to Face Autism, Inc. 5333 Rio Vista Street, Sarasota, Fl 34232.

Possible 'Red Flags"

• Don't respond to their name by 12 months of age
• Don't point at objects to show interest (point at an airplane flying over) by 14 months
• Don't play "pretend" games (pretend to "feed" a doll) by 18 months
• Avoid eye contact and want to be alone
• Have trouble understanding other people's feelings or talking about their own feelings
• Have delayed speech and language skills
• Repeat words or phrases over and over
• Give unrelated answers to questions
• Get upset by minor changes
• Have obsessive interests
• Flap their hands, rock their body, spin or spin objects
• Have unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel

For more information about recognizing the early signs of developmental and behavioral disorders, please visit www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/actearly

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