Learn About Autism
What Is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), hereafter referred to as Autism is a complex, lifelong developmental condition that typically appears during early childhood and can impact a person’s social skills, communication, relationships, and self-regulation. The Autism experience is different for everyone. It is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is often referred to as a “spectrum condition” that affects people differently and to varying degrees.
While there is currently no known single cause of Autism, early diagnosis helps a person receive resources that can support the choices and opportunities needed to live fully.
New to Autism
The Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin is here to help guide families who have a child newly diagnosed with Autism. Our Next Steps Program can help your family understand what this new diagnosis means, find community resources, and find emotional support. Contact our office today to receive a free resource package and/or to connect with other parents who have been down a similar path.
Contact us at 920-558-4602 or info@autismgreaterwi.org to get connected.
A printed copy of our Next Steps booklet is included in the resource package but is also available electronically.
Track Your Child's Developmental Milestones
The journey of your child's early years includes many developmental milestones for how he or she plays, learns, speaks, and acts.
Use this map to learn what to look for in your child. Talk with your child's doctor about these milestones.
Not reaching these milestones, or reaching them much later than other children, could be a sign of a developmental delay.
Autism Across the Lifespan
Like everyone else, people with autism move through significant life changes. Their quality of life depends not only on the foundation provided in childhood, but also on ongoing supports that are specific to their educational, medical, social, recreational, family, and employment needs. The Autism Society supports people with autism and their families through five critical stages of life:
- Birth to Five
- School Age
- Transition to Adulthood
- Adulthood
- Older Adult