Our Journey With AutismSarah Dempsey

Experts estimate that two to six children out of every 1,000 will have autism. Males are four times more likely to have autism than females (Autismspeaks.org)

The impact of having a developmental disability is immense for the families affected and for the community services that provide intervention and support for these families.

To a family with an autistic child, a smile like this can mean everything in the world, but the road to what some think is so simple is so difficult……

Griffin, Age 5

This smile took our family five years to witness…….

Our son was born on March 4, 2005Griffin

was what most parents called ‘the perfect baby’

He slept through the night and ate very well

By the age of 1, Griffin was a typically growing child ~ But to our dismay, things began to change……….

Limited SpeechLimited Eye

ContactAbnormal Behavior

Failed Interaction With Other ChildrenWHY?

Autism affects the way a child perceives the world and makes communication and social interaction difficult. The child may also have repetitive behaviors or intense interests. Symptoms, and their severity, are different for each of the affected areas - Communication, Social Interaction, and Repetitive Behaviors.

Treatment for autism is a very intensive, comprehensive undertaking that involves the child's entire family and a team of professionals. Some programs may take place in the child's home with professionals and trained therapists and may include Parent Training for the child under supervision of a professional. Some programs are delivered in a specialized center, classroom or preschool.

After two years of speech and occupational therapy

Preschool and Summer Camp

We get to enjoy this smile daily

But we also get to continue to live with Autism forever……

Did you know ...

Autism now affects 1 in 110 children and 1 in 70 boys

Autism prevalence figures are growing

More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined

Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.

Autism costs the nation over $35 billion per year, a figure expected to significantly increase in the next decade

Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases

Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autismThere is no medical detection or cure for autism(Autismspeaks.org)

Learn to be the best advocate you can be for your child.

Be informed.

Take advantage of all the services that are available to you in your community. You will meet practitioners and providers who can educate you and help you.

You will gather great strength from the people you meet.