This document provides information about Autism Awareness Month and autism. It defines autism as a developmental brain disorder affecting communication and social skills. It notes that about 1 in 110 children have an autism spectrum disorder. The document provides details on diagnosing autism, common signs, treatment options, causes, and debunks links between autism and vaccines. It also announces an upcoming autism awareness event in April.

1. APRIL IS AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

2. www.ocautism.com

3. Presented by: Julie ChauDiep, MS, CCC-SLP Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist Executive Director OC Autism Director & Clinical Supervisor Language and Speech (LAS) Therapy

5. ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competency (CCC)

7. MSCC: Medical Speech-Language Pathology Council of California

8. INSAR: International Society of Autism Research

10. Education: BCBA

11. Language and Speech (LAS) Therapy Center in GG

13. Parent Consultation Meeting

14. Parent Professional Workshop

15. Community Outreach (TV/Radio/Newspaper)

18. Autism is a group of development brain disorder that affects the child’s ability to speak and relate to world. What is Autism?

19. Social, communication and behavioral problems may negatively impact the child’s development, educational progress, community involvement and vocational growth.

20. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that about 1 in 110 children have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

21. There are about10 million cases worldwide and 1.5 million in the United States. The Regional Center of Orange County provides services to about 4,000 individuals with Autism.

22. Regional Center of Orange County (RCOC):

23. School Psychologists CANNOT diagnose Autism. A medical diagnosis by a Pediatric Neurololgist is recommended. DIAGNOSIS: Pediatric Neurologist or Developmental Pediatrician

25. No baby talk and verbal exchanges by 9 months

26. No pointing, waving and gesturing by 12 months

27. No words or use of 1-word frequently by 15 months

29. The cause of Autism is unknown. However, we know that it affects the development of the brain and may be related to specific regions of the brain. FAQ: What causes Autism?

30. No, researchers have shown that there are no causal effect between vaccination and Autism. Please make sure your child receives all his shots to avoid preventable diseases. FAQ: Do vaccines cause Autism?

31. Early signs of Autism may appear prior to age 1. However, many children are not diagnosed until 24-months or much later. FAQ: When can Autism be diagnosed?

32. Since Autism is a disease of the brain, it is not curable. However, intensive therapy has been proven to be effective in reversing many of the negative side effects. FAQ: Is Autism curable?

33. The National Research Council reported an estimated cost of $3.2 million per child. Early intervention may yield a 65% reduction in spending.

34. Contact Us: Julie ChauDiep, MS, CCC-SLP julie.diep@lastherapy.com Danny Luong, Community Liason contacts@ocautism.com (714) 539-6207 office

35. AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH CELEBRATION Hosted by: OC Autism in collaboration with VPDCA & HCF Date/Time: Sunday, April 24, 2011 at 2:00pm (Party) Location: Adventure City Family Theme Park (Anaheim) Park Hours: Opens 11am to 7pm (Rides and Attractions) Admission: Discounted rate of $10.95 per person at the door Description: Rides, Party, Awards Ceremony and Slideshow More Info: www.adventurecity.com Admissions: $10.96 per person (adult or child tickets)