Autism/PDD

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. The result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Autism and its associated behaviors have been estimated to occur in as many as 2 to 6 in 1,000 individuals (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2001). Children and adults with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities.
Autism is one of five disorders coming under the umbrella of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), a category of neurological disorders characterized by "severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development," including social interaction and communications skills (DSM-IV-TR). The five disorders under PDD are Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD), Rett's Disorder, and PDD-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). Each of these disorders has specific diagnostic criteria as outlined by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in its Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR).

RESOURCES

Parents

ORGANIZATIONS/SUPPORT GROUPS

Local

  • KCSOS Programs for Children with Autism
  • H.E.A.R.T.S Connection
    Meetings are held monthly throughout Kern County for family members and friends. Meetings provide information on organizations and services and opportunities to meet other families to share joys, challenges and information. For more information, please call 661.328.9055.
  • Bakersfield Parent's Hope
    Sponsored by     H.E.A.R.T.S Connection, a support group for parents of children with Asperger's Syndrome, Childhood Schizophrenia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder and related disorders. Meetings are held from 7:30 - 9 PM, on the first Thursday evening of each month. For more information, please call 661.399.0856.
  • Unique Perspectives
    Sponsored by     H.E.A.R.T.S Connection, a support group for teenagers of high school age with with Asperger's Syndrome. Meetings are held from 7:30 - 9 PM, on the first Thursday evening of each month. For more information, please call 661.399.0856.
  • Kern Autism Network (KAN)
    A parent support group that meets regularly and sponsors a local conference each year that brings well known experts in the field to Bakersfield. For more information, please contact Ramona Puget at 661.588.4235.
  • Richardson Child Development Center

National

OTHER RELATED SELPA RESOURCES RELATED BOOKS (Amazon.Com)

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