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Autism

Typically, developing infants are social beings. Children with autism spectrum disorders, however, have trouble learning to engage in the give-and-take of ordinary human interaction. Many avoid interaction and eye contact. They appear indifferent to others, and often seem to prefer being alone.

Children with autism spectrum disorders are attached to their parents, but their expression of this is unusual and difficult to read. Parents may not perceive their child as attached at all. Children with autism spectrum disorders are slower in learning to interpret other people’s thoughts and feelings, and will miss social cues. The inability to interpret gestures and facial expressions make their world a bewildering place.

The National Center for Disease Control estimates 3.4 per 1000 children between the ages of three and 10 will be diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Each condition reflects degrees of impairment in communication skills, social interaction, and restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior. Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, and Pervasive Personality Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified are most common. Rett Syndrome & Childhood Degenerative Disorders are far more rare.

The clinical staff at Family Resources of Greater Nebraska has been trained to screen and treat Autism Spectrum Disorders. The best time to screen and begin treatment is when a child is in preschool. Once initial screening suggests further investigation, our staff will assist parents in assembling a second stage evaluation and treatment team, which may include a psychologist, neurologist, psychiatrist, speech therapist, pediatrician and others.