The Autism Society of the Panhandle is a nonprofit, tax-exempt association
of parents, professionals and other concerned community members dedicated
to the education and welfare of children and adults with autism and related
disorders of communication and behavior.
GOALS:
To educate the general public about autism
To serve as a support group for parents and professionals
To provide information to parents and professionals regarding the diagnosis,
education and treatment of persons with autism
To obtain better services for the citizens of the Purchase Area affected
by autism
ASP Council Mission Statement 2007-08:
The Autism Society of the Panhandle exists to improve the lives of those
with autism living in the Greater Pensacola area.
The ASP Council serves a two-fold mission:
To assist the director in carrying out all duties so that the ASP Mission
is achieved
To provide input and feedback to the ASP Board of Directors
Membership on the council is open to any ASP Member who agrees to serve
as a Team Leader or Co-Leader for a need area identified by the director.
MEETINGS:
Meetings are usually held the third Tuesday at the ARC Gateway, 10th &
Fairfield, Pensacola at 6:30pm. Babysitters provided if reserved. To confirm
information on meeting times, topics and location, e-mail or call 450-0656
MEMBERSHIP:
Membership is open to any interested person. The only requirement for
full membership is to be a current member of the Autism Society of America.
Local dues are $20 per individual and $25 for families annually per year and will be prorated monthly. Donations are
always welcome.
DEFINITION:
What is Autism?
Autism is a developmental disability that effects a person’s ability to
properly understand what they see, hear, and otherwise sense. Autism primarily
affects communication. People with autism typically have difficulty understanding
verbal and nonverbal communication and learning appropriate ways of relating
to people and, objects, and events. Autism spectrum disorders are the
third most common developmental disability following mental retardation
and epilepsy. One in every 150 American children has an autism
spectrum disorder. Every day, 50 new families face a diagnosis
of autism. One in every four American families has a loved one living
with autism. It is four times more prevalent in males than females. Autism
occurs in all races and socioeconomic classes. Family income, lifestyle,
or education do not affect whether or not a child will be born with autism.
What are the Characteristics of Autism?
Characteristics may differ markedly from person to person, but will usually
include the following:
- Severe deviations in language development - Language is slow to develop
and usually includes peculiar speech patterns or the use of words without
attaching them to their normal meaning. They may not understand what
you say.
- Severe deviations in understanding social relationships - Children
with autism may not use eye contact in social interactions, may resist
being picked up, and seem to “tune out” the world. This results in an
inability to play with others and an impaired ability to make friends.
They may dart away from you unexpectedly.
- Inconsistent patterns of sensory responses - The child may appear
to be deaf and fail to respond to words and sounds. They may be unable
to speak or speak with difficulty. At other times, a child may be extremely
distressed by everyday noises such as a vacuum cleaner or dog barking.
The child may show an insensitivity to pain and lack of responsiveness
to cold or heat, or may overreact to any of these. They may act upset
for no apparent reason, or appear anxious and nervous.
- Uneven patterns of intellectual functioning - The majority of people
with autism have varying degrees of mental retardation. Only 25% of
people with autism have near-average, average, or above average intelligence.
However, some may have peak skills - scattered things done quite well
in relation to overall functioning - such as drawing, math, music, or
memorization of facts.
- Marked restriction of activity and interests - A person with autism
may perform repetitive body movements or self-stimulating behaviors
such as hand flicking, twisting, rocking, or spinning. This person may
also display repetition by following the same schedule everyday, same
route, same order of dressing, etc. If changes occur in these routines,
the child may become upset.
- Speak slowly and use simple language
- Use concrete terms
- Repeat simple questions
- Allow time for responses
- Give lots of praise
- Do not attempt to physically block self-stimulating behavior
- Remember that each individual with autism is unique and may act differently
than others