Autism Awareness Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuiV0A2PPPU
A little less than a month ago, my wife and I found out that our 28 month old
son Jacob has autism. It came as a huge surprise to us since it doesnt run in
either of our families. We knew something wasnt right when the 3 or 4 words he
knew he stop saying. He started to become a little distant to us and the rest of
the family. We now have him in speech therapy twice a week and home therapy
twice a week. I was already a stay at home dad with my 5 yr old son who suffered
a brain injury 2 yrs ago and he attends therapy 5 times a week.  We are now
learning so much more about autism and how it effects children and their
families. I am looking into local and national golf tournaments that help
to raise money for autism and the families effected by it. If you know of
anything..please contact me. Here is one i have found.
http://www.autismgolfball.com/index.php
Thanks for reading!!
Jdubs...aka john
Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the
first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and
interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a
"spectrum disorder" that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees.
There is no known single cause for autism, but increased awareness and funding
can help families today.
In February 2007, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued their
ADDM autism prevalence report. The report, which looked at a sample of 8 year
olds in 2000 and 2002, concluded that the prevalence of autism had risen to 1 in
every 150 American children, and almost 1 in 94 boys. The issuance of this
report caused a media uproar, but the news was not a surprise to ASA or to the
1.5 million Americans living with the effects of autism spectrum disorder.
Nonetheless, the spotlight shown on autism as a result of the prevalence
increase opens opportunities for the nation to consider how to serve these
families facing a lifetime of supports for their children.
Currently, ASA estimates that the lifetime cost of caring for a child with
autism ranges from $3.5 million to $5 million, and that the United States is
facing almost $90 billion annually in costs for autism (this figure includes
research, insurance costs and non-covered expenses, Medicaid waivers for autism,
educational spending, housing, transportation, employment, in addition to
related therapeutic services and caregiver costs).
Know the Signs: Early Identification Can Change Lives
Autism is treatable. Children do not "outgrow" autism, but studies show that
early diagnosis and intervention lead to significantly improved outcomes.
Here are some signs to look for in the children in your life:

Lack of or delay in spoken language
Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping,
twirling objects)
Little or no eye contact
Lack of interest in peer relationships
Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play
Persistent fixation on parts of objects
 
Autism Awareness Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuiV0A2PPPU


John W.







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