MOPS

Illustrated

2 01 2 6 il e pr A um ol V

You can find MOPS Owatonna on Facebook or check out our blog! www.mopsowatonna.blogspot.com April is Autism Awareness Month Autism is our countrys fastest growing developmental disability. What is Autism? Autism is a neurologically-based developmental disability that affects the way a childs brain develops and results in differences in the way that the child communicates, behaves, and socializes. How common is Autism? According to the Centers for Disease control, autism spectrum disorders affect 1 in 88 children in the U.S. Autism is more common the juvenile diabetes, childhood cancer and AIDS combined. In Minnesota, 1 in 75 children are affect by Autism. What does it mean that Autism is a spectrum disorder? In a spectrum disorder symptoms and characteristics present themselves in a wide variety of combinations, from mild to severe. What causes Autism? Although a specific cause of Autism is not known, current research links Autism to biological or neurological differences in the brain. There is no cure for Autism. However, evidence shows the early intervention can result in dramatically positive outcomes for young children with Autism. When should a child be evaluated for Autism? Most pediatricians perform a developmental screening at well child visits during the preschool years. If a child exhibiting behaviors that may be signs of Autism, a doctor can refer families to a specialist for an evaluation. Parents that have concerns about their childs development can contact their pediatrician or the statewide Help Me Grow Program 1-866-693-GROW. What can I do as a mom for other moms affected by Autism? Autism can be extremely hard on a family, it is often very draining emotionally, physically and financially. Moms dealing with any special needs child can certainly use our prayers and support as fellow moms. Could you spare an hour or two to give the mom a break by either having her child over to play or by coming to her house and helping with a task? Could you pick up an extra cup of coffee and surprise her if she has had a rough night? When out in public, can you be sympathetic with a mom whose child is melting down in the middle of the store instead of being quick to judge the mom or child? Steele County has an Autism Support Group that meets right here in Owatonna at Associated Church on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 6-7:30 pm, childcare is provided. For more details or questions contact Kim Kubicek at 444-4128. Autism Resources: www.fraser.org www.autismspeaks.org www.autismsupportnetwork.com www.ausm.org (Minnesota Autism Society)