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Are the ACT Network and the EIC both non-profit organizations?

Yes, both are non-profit Michigan 501 (c) (3) organizations

Where are you located?

The ACT Network’s administrative office is located at,
32500 Telegraph Rd, Suite 209,
Bingham Farms, Michigan 48025

The EIC is located at,
18300 W 12 Mile Rd,
Southfield, Michigan 48076

What is Autism?

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. The result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, autism and its associated behaviors have now been estimated to occur in as many as 1 in 150 individuals (Center for Disease Control and Prevention). Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than girls (1 in 94 boys) and knows no racial, ethnic or social boundaries. Family income, lifestyle, and educational levels do not affect the chance of autism’s occurrence.

Autism impacts the normal development of the brain primarily in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Children and adults with autism typically have difficulties in communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. The disorder makes it hard for them to communicate with others and relate to the outside world. In some cases aggressive and/or self-injurious behavior may be present. Persons with autism may exhibit repeated body movements (hand flapping, rocking, etc), unusual responses to people or attachments to objects, and resistance to changes in routines.

Over one and a half million people in the U.S. today have autism or some form of pervasive developmental disorder. Autism is the most common of the pervasive developmental disorders

(Source: Autism Society of America)

What are the signs of Autism?

There are no absolute “red flags” that indicate autism, but below is a list of signs that may indicate a problem. If your child shows any of these signs, we highly suggest that you take them to be evaluated immediately.

1. No or little eye contact
2. No words by 15 months
3. No 2-word phrases by 24 months
4. Doesn’t smile back at parents
5. Doesn’t seem to enjoy cuddling
6. Doesn’t respond to their name
7. Loss of any previously learned skill (talking, waving, attending, etc)

(Source American Academy of Pediatrics)

Are Austism and PDD the same thing?

No. PDD stands for Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Autism falls under the umbrella of PDD. However, PDD is a term that is widely used by professionals in reference to individuals with autism or a related disorder. Diagnosis of all PDDs is based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fourth Edition (DSM-IV).

What is Asperger's Syndrome?

Asperger's Syndrome is a type of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Individuals diagnosed with Asperger's may have minor delays in cognitive and/or language skills. The main delay that a person with Asperger's will experience is a delay in social skills. This individual may appear to be a normal person who is behaving differently. An idividual with Asperger's is more likely to be socially awkward, lack empathy, and be oblivious to the subtleties of language like irony, humor or sarcasm.

I think my child might have autism. How do I find out?

The first thing to do is to contact your physician and have an evaluation completed.  He/she may also suggest that you take your child to a developmental and behavioral pediatrician, pediatric psychiatrist, or pediatric neurologist. They are experts in diagnosing autism, and can help you figure out the next step.

What types of therapy are available for children on the spectrum?

There are many therapies available for children with autism, but only a few are evidence based. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the most evidence based treatment to date for children with autism. Speech, occupational, and physical therapy have also had some evidence to back them up.