Autism Community Network

A variable developmental disorder characterized by severe deficits in social interaction and communication, and by abnormal behavior patterns (i.e. repetition of specific movements or a tendency to focus on certain objects). Autism is evident in the first few years of a child’s life and the cause is still unknown. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurobiological disorder known simply as autism. Autism Facts from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention CDC: • Autism spectrum disorder affects one in 88 children in the United States and, according to a more recent survey, the number may be as high as one in 50 children • Boys are five times more likely to be affected by autism than girls (approximately one in 54 boys) • Autism can occur equally in all racial, ethnic, and social groups • Siblings of a child with autism have a 2%–18% chance of also having autism • According to research, a diagnosis of autism at age two can be reliable, valid, and stable • Association Community Network (CAN) works to serve all members of the autism community in South Texas. Children & Families: If you are a parent of a child up to age six who is showing signs of autism, our board-certified professionals are available to do a preliminary screening and/or a full interdisciplinary autism diagnosis for your child. In addition, we offer a short-course of hands-on trainings to supplement your child’s therapy, targeted to individual needs. Providers & Educators: If you are a provider of care for children with autism, we can help you raise your skill level through in-service training. We are available to teach you how to screen children for autism, how to teach children with autism, how to deal with challenging behaviors, and how to make referrals within our community. BCBA supervision also available. Autism Community: If you are a parent, provider, educator, or an individual affected by autism, we maintain an up-to-date referral network for our autism community to meet our goal of being an information hub for autism in South Texas.