Autism Forum Scheduled for April 16th
By Lynne Bauer, Dir. of Health Services, School District of Superior
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability. The signs for autism typically appear during early childhood and affect a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others.
Autism can affect individuals differently and to varying degrees. Autism Spectrum Disorder is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a “spectrum condition”. There is no known single cause of autism. Increased awareness and early diagnosis and intervention along with access to appropriate services and supports can lead to significantly improved outcomes.
The hallmark feature of ASD is impaired social interaction. A child with ASD may appear to develop normally and then withdraw and become indifferent to social engagement.
Some of the behaviors that can be associated with autism include delayed learning of language, difficulty making eye contact or holding a conversation, difficulty with reasoning and planning, narrow, intense interests, poor motor skills and sensory sensitivities. Many children with ASD engage in repetitive movements such as rocking and twirling, or in self-abusive behavior such as biting or head-banging.
A person on the spectrum might follow many of these behaviors or just a few, or many others besides. The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder is applied based on analysis of all behaviors and their severity.
We have an opportunity right here in our own community to learn more about Autism Spectrum Disorder and to gain understanding of the joys and struggles of living with ASD from people who have it and their families. On Thursday, April 16, 2015, UWS Center for Continuing Education is hosting “Celebrating Autism — Where we are now; Where we want to be” from 5:45 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. / Swenson Hall/ Room 1054.
Please see the attached flyer for more information. Hope to see many of you there.
Celebrating Autism Community Forum – April 16th, 2015 at UW-Superior, Swenson Hall, Rm 1054, 8:30 pm. General Fee: $10 Adult, $5 youth. Professional Fee: $20 (CEUs for 1.45 contact hours). Call (715) 394-8469 to register, or go to uwsuper.edu/health.
