Resources & Materials

Autism

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Both children and adults with autism typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. One should keep in mind however, that autism is a spectrum disorder and it affects each individual differently and at varying degrees - this is why early diagnosis is so crucial. By learning the signs, a child can begin benefiting from one of the many specialized intervention programs.

Autism is one of five disorders that falls under the umbrella of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), a category of neurological disorders characterized by “severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development.”

The five disorders under PDD are:

• Autistic Disorder
• Asperger's Disorder
• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD)
• Rett's Disorder
• PDD-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)

Each of these disorders has specific diagnostic criteria which been outlined in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR).

• Autism Newsletters and Handouts
• What is Autism? Basic Autism Information PDF
• Utah Parent Center Autism-Specific Newsletter PDF
• Utah Parent Center Autism-Specific e-Journal, February 2008 PDF
• Easter Seals Autism Study PDF
• Easter Seals Autism Study - Key Findings PDF
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  Autism Resource Lists
• Adult Day Services PDF
• Assistive Technology PDF
• Casein and Gluten Free PDF
• Clinics PDF
• Diagnostic Evaluations PDF
• Early Intervention PDF
• Educational Resources PDF
• Employment Services PDF
• Financial PDF
• Future Planning, Guardianship, and Trusts PDF
• Higher Education Disability Resource Centers PDF
• Independent Living Centers PDF
• Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders PDF
• Occupational and Physical Therapists PDF
• Parent and Family Supports – Autism Specific PDF
• Recreation PDF
• Residential Programs PDF
• Respite Services PDF
• Sensory Integration PDF
• Service Dogs PDF
• Siblings PDF
• Socialization PDF
• Speech and Language Therapists PDF
• Therapies and Therapists PDF
• Tracking Devices PDF
• Utah's Autism Organizations PDF
• Website Resources PDF