Autism Spectrum Disorder is characterized as a disorder where children display deficits in: a) social interaction, b) verbal and nonverbal communication, and c) repetitive behaviors or interests (National Institute of Mental Health, 2007)Visit AutismSpeaks.org (http://www.autismspeaks.org/?gclid=CKH1moq3v7ICFak7Mgodg3QAlQ) and review the Family Services and Sciencetabs focusing on one of the tool kits and on one of the articles.

1. Compare and contrast the information presented in the website and the information presented in your textbook.

2. Describe the practical implications of the information provided at AutismSpeaks.org on families caring for a child with Autism.

Phrases from the text:

• "When autism was first diagnosed and described in the early 1940's, parents of children with autism were often regarded as intelligent people of high socioeconomic status who were also "cold" (Turnbull et al., 2006).
• "Autism is a developmental disability that significantly affects a student's verbal and non-verbal communication, social interaction, and educational performance" (Turnbull et al., 2006). 
• "Scientist still have yet been able to pinpoint the definite cause of Autism. Aside from biological factors, environmental contributions to autism include toxic exposures to chemicals (e.g. lead, arsenic, methylmercury) and exposure in early pregnancy to thalidomide, valporic acid, and prenatal rubella infection" (Turnbull et al., 2006).
• chapter eleven from our textbook states that "Recent figures report that one out of 70 boys and one out of 315 girls are identified as having Autism Spectrum Disorder" (Turnbull et al., 2006).
• For children who have Autism, Early Intervention Therapies are available. These early intervention therapies include Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and the Early Start Denver Model. "Applied Behavior Analysis is the use of techniques and principle to bring about meaningful and positive change in behavior" (Turnbull et al., 2006).