Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disorder which presents with varying degrees in the primary areas of development of communication, social skill development and is characterized by narrow fields of interest, restricted and often repetative behaviors. Hallmarks can include stereotopy (repetitive or ritualistic movements or utterances), strict adherance to sameness, as well as difficulty meeting or sustaining eye contact. For more information see https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/signs.html .

Autism does not discriminate across race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status or gender. However, males continue to be diagnosed almost five times as often as girls. While the median age for diagnosis remains approximately eighteen months, cultural norms are thought to be a contributing factor in parental education and self-identification of redflags for some populations. See also: Black/African American: English: Spanish: Haitian Creole: Portugese: Arabic: Vietnamese:

Autism is a lifelong disorder. However, early detection, diagnosis and support services can support positive outcomes in quality of life! As Autism is a spectrum disorder, the degrees of deficits in the areas affected can differ vastly from one child, or person to the next. "If you've met one child with autism...you've met one child with autism" is a common expession in the autistic community. If you suspect autism in a child in your care, speak to your pediatrician about any percieved indicators.

Some early classic indicators or autism are: Not respond to their name by 12 months of age Not point at objects to show interest (point at an airplane flying over) by 14 months Not play “pretend” games (pretend to “feed” a doll) by 18 months Avoid eye contact and want to be alone Have trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings Have delayed speech and language skills Repeat words or phrases over and over (echolalia) Give unrelated answers to questions Get upset by minor changes Have obsessive interests Flap their hands, rock their body, or spin in circles Have unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel *National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 08/22/2019 For more information please visit https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/signs.html

Just as every human being is different, every individual diagnosed with autism is different. In our world today we are faced with a pluthera of "new normals". I have met some of the most remarkable people from all over the world diagnosed on the spectrum. Here at No Small Victories we celebrate every accomplishment. No waiting for a ticker tape parade! I say, find your child's passion and support that! Inside every child perseverating on dinosaurs may be a paleotologist! We may view lifes successes and rewards in smaller increments, and at a slower pace, but we experience it! Celebrate every milestone met, no matter when it was met or how long it took to meet it! In the wise words of my son Joshua, "Autism is what I have, not who I am!"