Parents Guide

to Autism

Facing Autism
If you have picked up this booklet, chances are your family is facing autism for the
very first time and you may be overwhelmed, confused, and scared. Autism can be a
frightening word and it brings up difficult pictures in your mind. You might not know
what to think or believe, you may not even want to accept that your child could have
autism.
While there is no known cure for autism, the capacity to learn and develop new skills
lies within every child. More than ever before, children with autism can be helped.
Through available therapies, it is possible to greatly improve the day-to-day lives of
children and adults with autism. The sooner you begin, the more effective treatment
will be for your child.
This booklet is a resource guide for you to understand what autism is and give you
some basic strategies for dealing with it. It is not a complete explanation but will give
you reliable up-to-date information and a few ideas you can use right away to start
making life a little easier.

What is Autism?
Autism is a neurological disorder that affects the way a persons brain works and can
cause people to have unusual traits and characteristics. People with autism struggle
to communicate, form relationships, and respond appropriately to their environment.
While people with autism share certain characteristics, no two people with autism are
alike, thus they are often referred to as autism spectrum disorders or ASD. There is a
wide range of levels and skills. Symptoms also present themselves in a wide variety
of combinations creating the uniqueness of each person.
However, everyone with ASD shares common traits such as difficulties with:
Social interactions
Communication skills
Repetitive behaviors
Limited interests
Autism Spectrum Disorders include the following diagnoses:
Autistic Disorder
Aspergers Disorder
Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
Retts Disorder
The first three diagnoses listed above are the most common while the last two
are very rare. PDD-NOS is diagnosed when some characteristics of autism and/or
Aspergers are present but not all criteria are met.
Children with autism do not follow usual patterns of development although onset
of symptoms may vary. In some cases, problems may be apparent from birth, but
oftentimes, symptoms become more obvious as the child approaches developmental
milestones, usually before age three. Aspergers Disorder may not be noticed until
much later in childhood.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimate that 1.5 million Americans
are believed to have some form of autism. Autism knows no racial, ethnic, or
socioeconomic boundaries. It is found in every region and country of the world.
It is more prevalent in males than females.

Possible Signs and Symptoms of ASD

This list is intended to help parents identify potential signs of autism. Each child with
Facing
Autism?
autism is unique and will experience various combinations of signs and symptoms.
If you have picked up this booklet, chances are your family is facing autism for the
1.first
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While there
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Through available therapies, it is possible to greatly improve the day-to-day lives of
Avoids or displays an unusual use of eye contact
children and adults with autism. The sooner you begin, the more effective treatment
want to be comforted
will be forDoes
yournot
child.
Lacks awareness of OR acute awareness of other people
This booklet
is their
a resource
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and/or
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you some basic strategies for dealing with it. It is not a complete explanation
Fails to greet and/or respond to others
but will give you reliable up-to-date information and a few ideas you can do
Struggles playing or interacting appropriately with same-age peers
right away to start making life a little easier.
Lacks or is limited in imaginative/pretend play

Displays socially unresponsive or awkward behaviors; has difficulty

figuring out what to do in social settings
Needs an excessive amount of reassurance
Has difficulty understanding another persons perspective
Exhibits limited range of emotion or facial expression
4

Struggles to initiate conversation or play

2. Communication Difficulties
Experiences delayed language development
Has poor language comprehension
Has limited speech or is completely non-verbal
Repeats words or phrases spoken to them or that they have heard in the past (Echolalia).
Has an unusual manner of talking (ex. rich vocabulary, monotone or sing-songy quality)
Fails to initiate or difficulty with reciprocal conversation
Has difficulty with the use of abstract language and thinking
May not understand or use non-verbal communication skills appropriately
(facial expressions, tone of voice, gestures, body language)
Struggles to appropriately express feelings or emotions

3. Stereotypical or Repetitive Behaviors

Fixates on an object or toy (or parts of it)
Is overly fascinated by specific topics or areas of interest
Uses objects in an odd way: spinning or lining up objects
Engages in unusual body movements: finger flicking, hand flapping, body rocking or spinning
Displays unusual attachment to objects
Struggles with transitions and/or changes in routine or environment
Has unreasonable insistence on following routines or rituals
Has an excellent memory OR difficulty remembering/processing simple directions or tasks

4. Associated Features
Experiences difficulty in sleeping, eating, toilet training
Exhibits sensitivity to or craves touch, sound, or visual
stimulation
Behaves either passivly or hyperactively
Has unusual or extreme fears OR lacks fear or awareness of
common dangers
Has awkward movements/odd gait

Do NOT use this list to diagnose your child!

Only a licensed professional can give a diagnosis.
5

How
Autism Diagnosed?
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lies within every child. More than ever before, children with autism can be helped.
no
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Through
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misdiagnosed.
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autism.
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This booklet
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guidedetect
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to understand
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autism
and give
observation, interview, and a comprehensive review of developmental history.

you some basic strategies for dealing with it. It is not a complete explanation
but
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anda neurologist,
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psychologist,
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the a
school
or the ADOS done by an autism professional can be a useful tool in the process of
obtaining the diagnosis.

Early Intervention is the Key

The sooner therapy begins, the more likely it will be effective. For children who
do have autism, the earlier they receive intensive behavioral treatment, the
more substantial their gains will be in communication skills, social abilities, and
appropriate behavior.
The most opportune time in which these positive outcomes can be achieved
is when the child is between 12 and 48 months old. Progress can certainly
be made outside this age range, but the research suggests that the earlier
treatment begins, the more successful the child will be. When a child receives
several years of early intervention, he has a greater chance of overcoming many
of the obstacles associated with autism. This can begin even before an official
diagnosis has been given.
Parental involvement is also a major factor in the success of treatment.
Parents are the childs earliest teachers so taking an active role in your childs
development is crucial. Through special education, training and support, parents
can take a lead role in the development of their child with autism and help them
lead happy and productive lives.

Simple Things You Can Do

Talk to Your Child
Children with autism have a hard time understanding the sequence of events in their day. They also
tend to do better when they know what to expect. Children with autism often need help transitioning
between activities or places.
Let them know what events are scheduled for the day.
Prepare them for any changes in their routine or their schedule as soon as you can.
Help your child with transitions between activities. Before you end an activity, let them
know it is almost time to stop and let them know what will come next. Then, count down
(5, 4, 3, 2, 1, all done) to end the activity.

Use Visual Strategies

Children with autism are often visual learners and thinkers.
Develop a visual schedule; review it throughout the day and mark off activities as they
are completed.
Use words, pictures, symbols, or a combination to get your message across.

WhenThen Statements
These are called contingencies. They can help motivate your child.
Give your child a direction and then tell him what will happen once he has
followed it. For example: When you put away two more toys, then you can
play outside.
It is important when using a contingency to be specific and follow through!

Catch Them Being Good

Provide praise and/or preferred items when you see good
behavior. This is one of the best ways to motivate your child to
repeat the desired behavior.
Provide the positive reinforcement as soon as
possible after he completes the activity.
Be specific when praising your child; tell him exactly what
he did well. For example Great job putting your toys
away! or, I like the way youre staying with me.

Offer Choices
Choice is an important aspect of a childs life that helps him
feel a sense of control.
If you want your child to get dressed, give him two
options (both of which are ok with you) and allow him to
choose. He picks one and you both get what you want.
Provide many choices throughout the day, but dont give him a
choice when there is no choice (Its time to get ready for bed.
NOT Are you ready for bed?).

Know Your Environment

Children with autism spectrum disorders may have very little awareness of common danger.
Watch out for excessively noisy or crowded environments that could overstimulate your child and cause
unwanted behavior.
Be attentive to your childs behaviors and tendencies that may be dangerous.

Communicate Effectively
Children with autism will often communicate through their behavior.
Have your child use appropriate communication to ask for what he wants.
Take the time to figure out what your child is trying to communicate.
Remember, some behavior may be due to illness or pain.

Recognize Your Childs Strengths

Every child has skills.
Find your childs strengths and try to build upon them.
Encouragement and praise will help your child continue to learn and grow.

Use Your Childs Special Interests

Allow for special interests, such as: trains, cars, movies, dinosaurs, etc., which can be used as motivators/
reinforcers for positive behavior.
Let him know that after he picks up his toys, he can watch his favorite show.
If you are working on conversational skills, use his favorite area of interest as the topic of conversation.
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Why should I contact TouchPoint?

At TouchPoint we see parents daily who are overwhelmed, confused, and who have
questions. Often they know something is wrong but they do not know what to do about it.
The internet can be misleading and often websites only provide pieces of what you need to
know. Conflicting or inaccurate information may cause confusion or even fear.
If a doctor or teacher suggests that autism is a possibility, you should contact TouchPoint
Autism Services. You will find help for you and your child as well as hope for the future.
Each child with ASD is different; we can help you identify what types of treatments, services,
and supports will be most beneficial for you and your child. We can also help you navigate
through all the information, treatment options, funding sources, and other resources or
systems you may encounter.
TouchPoint has been providing effective treatment for people with autism for more than 35
years. We offer a variety of clinical therapies, supports, and behavioral training services for
parents and families. From assessment and parent training to adult services and supported
employment, we strive to be the single touch point, a place where families can receive all
of the services they will need through the course of their childs life.

Remember, parent testimonials and internet information

are not the same as research and hard evidence. Be
careful who you trust and what information you read.
TouchPoint has been in the field since 1970 and has
earned a reputation for excellence in autism treatment.

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We are Your Single TouchPoint

for Help and Hope
We can help you navigate the
many resources available to
you and your child which
may include:
Medical professionals

TouchPoint Autism Services Offers*:

Assessments
Training: Parent Training, Workshops
and In-services

Educational Services

Consultations, Observations, IEP

Advocacy

Advocacy Services

Adult Services

Department of
Mental Health

Individual Support, Respite,

Social Groups for Teens and Adults

First Steps

Clinical Therapies including: Applied

Behavior Analysis (ABA), Speech/
Language, Music, OT/Sensory Issues,
Social Skills Groups

Parents as Teachers
Family supports and
Clinical Services

Educational Services
Residential Services

* services may vary by location

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To request more information or to schedule a service, please contact us.

St. Louis Offices
1101 Olivette Executive Pkwy
St. Louis, MO 63132
P 314.432.6200
F 314.849.2721
3601 Weber Road
St. Louis, MO 63125
P 314.385.5373
F 314.385.7896
Central Missouri Office
107 Waugh Street
Columbia, MO 65201
P 800.675.4241 or 573.874.3777
F 573.874.3880
Southeast Missouri Office
611 North Fountain Street
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
P 573.339.9300
F 573.339.7964
Southwest Missouri Offices
1740 S. Glenstone, Suite S
Springfield, MO 65804
P 800.420.7410 or 417.890.1399
F 417.890.1775
1211 S. Illinois
Joplin, MO 64801
P 417.781.3616
F 417.781.4190

Email: [email protected]
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www.touchpointautism.org