What is Autism?
Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex Neurodevelopmental disorders known as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The other ASD’s are PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified) and Asperger’s Syndrome.
Today, it is estimated that 1 in 59 children are diagnosed with autism,
Autism occurs in children from all racial, geographical and socioeconomic backgrounds. Disproportionately affecting males, it is four times more prevalent in boys than girls.
Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex Neurodevelopmental disorders known as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The other ASD’s are PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified) and Asperger’s Syndrome.
Today, it is estimated that 1 in 59 children are diagnosed with autism,
Autism occurs in children from all racial, geographical and socioeconomic backgrounds. Disproportionately affecting males, it is four times more prevalent in boys than girls.
What are some effective treatments for Autism?
Though there is no cure yet for autism, there is hope through prompt and science-based intervention rooted in the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). There are a range of other therapies including speech therapy and occupational therapy. For a list of local providers please visit our resource guide
Though there is no cure yet for autism, there is hope through prompt and science-based intervention rooted in the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). There are a range of other therapies including speech therapy and occupational therapy. For a list of local providers please visit our resource guide
My child just received an Autism diagnosis, what should I do next?
- Email FEAT of Washington’s Family Resource Coordinator at familyservices@featwa.org .
- Visit our Resource Guide to find resources in your area
- Download Autism Speaks 100 Day Kit to find out what to do the first 100 days after a diagnosis.
- Contact a Birth-to-Three program if your child is three years or younger or contact your school district for help with services and building an Individualized Education Progam (IEP)
- Assess your child’s deficits and find ABA, Speech Therapy,or Occupational Therapy depending on your child’s specific needs.
Whom should I contact in Washington State to mediate disputes with my school district regarding my child’s IEP?
If you have questions or need support with services that your child is receiving in your school, first contact the Special Education department within your school district. If you find that you need more support, the OSPI Special Education Ombudsman assists families and students who have questions about special education issues. The OEO Ombudsman assists all public school students and their families, including those with disabilities.
Office of the Education Ombudsman (OEO): The Office of the Education Ombudsman (OEO) promotes equity in education and the academic success of all students attending elementary and secondary public schools in Washington by providing information to students, families, and communities regarding the school system, promoting family and community involvement in education, helping resolve conflict between families and schools, and by providing policymakers with recommendations to improve the education system. Contact: Kristin Hennessey, Program Supervisor, Equity and Civil Rights Office (360) 725-6075, kristin.hennessey@k12.wa.us
If you have questions or need support with services that your child is receiving in your school, first contact the Special Education department within your school district. If you find that you need more support, the OSPI Special Education Ombudsman assists families and students who have questions about special education issues. The OEO Ombudsman assists all public school students and their families, including those with disabilities.
Office of the Education Ombudsman (OEO): The Office of the Education Ombudsman (OEO) promotes equity in education and the academic success of all students attending elementary and secondary public schools in Washington by providing information to students, families, and communities regarding the school system, promoting family and community involvement in education, helping resolve conflict between families and schools, and by providing policymakers with recommendations to improve the education system. Contact: Kristin Hennessey, Program Supervisor, Equity and Civil Rights Office (360) 725-6075, kristin.hennessey@k12.wa.us
Where can I find comprehensive information about the IEP process?
Writeslaw – learn about special education law: http://www.wrightslaw.com/
Writeslaw – learn about special education law: http://www.wrightslaw.com/
Center for Disease Control (CDC). (Apr 26, 2018). Data and Statistics. Retrieved Oct 10, 2018, from CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network (ADDM).