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Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is an organization that turns the dreams of families dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) into a reality. A national organization dedicated to changing the future for all who struggle with ASD, this program has a great deal of support behind its Cherry Hill, NJ branch.

Each year, 1 in 150 individuals is diagnosed with autism, a complex neurological disorder that typically lasts for a lifetime. Currently in New Jersey, an alarming 1 in 98 children suffer from ASD. More common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined, autism does not discriminate – it affects all racial, ethnic, and social groups. However, this disorder, part of the category known as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is four times more likely to strike boys than girls. Imparing an individual’s ability to communicate and relate to others, autism is associated with rigid routines and repetitive behaviors; severity of symptoms varies on a case by case basis.

ASDs are reliably diagnosed typically by age three. The first noticeable signs leading to a diagnosis usually come from parents, who claim that their child is either different from birth or was developing normally and then lost their skills. According to new research, this parental intuition is generally correct; some children begin to show signs as early as 6 months – signs that even the most qualified pediatrician may not recognize as readily as a parent.

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While there exists no single treatment protocol for all children with autism, there are two main components to making a better life for children with this disorder and their families: early intervention and highly structured educational programs.

Says Director Celia Morton, “We [at Autism Speaks] are dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism; to raising public awareness about autism and it’s effects on individuals, families and society; and to bringing hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder.”

Don't Miss...
Walk Now for Autism Speaks: Southern New Jersey
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Bishop's Gate Corporate Center, Mount Laurel, NJ
Registration opens at 8am
Resource Fair at 9:30am
Walk kicks off at 10am

Also, Walk Now for Autism Speaks: New Jersey Shore
Saturday, October 2, 2010
The Great Lawn on the Boardwalk, Long Branch, NJ

Walk Now for Autism Speaks: Central New Jersey
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Mercer County Community College, West Windsor, NJ

For more information on upcoming events, find out how you can get involved, or to learn more about what's going on in Autism research, please go to the Autism Speaks national website at autismspeaks.org. Or, e-mail southernnewjersey@autismspeaks.org or call 856-858-5400.

4/25/10

For more on local Organizations, visit our South Jersey Organizations page.

Author: Alexis Aloi; Editor

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