Families for Effective Autism Treatment of Rhode Island

FEAT RI Text Only Site

Families for Effective Autism Treatment of Rhode Island
5 Crane Terrace, Narragansett, RI 02882
Phone (401) 886-5015 Fax (401) 739-7384 Email: featri@gmail.com

Training & Events
Annual Conference | Autism Training Initiative | Guest Speaker Series | Support Group

Autism Resources
What is Autism? | What do I do now? | Intensive Intervention | Service Providers | Resources & Links

About Us
How FEAT/RI can help | Contact FEAT/RI | En Espanol

What is Autism?
Autism is a developmental disorder that can severely impair an individual's ability to communicate, interact with others, play, develop interests, and learn from typical environments. Because there are varying degrees of symptoms and behaviors identified with individuals with autism, it is also referred to as an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

For example. language may be delayed, disordered, or may not develop at all. Individuals with autism may lack the ability to comprehend or to express non-vocal communications such as gestures or facial expressions. They may appear uninterested in others, may lack ability to understand how others think and feel, or may demonstrate unusual interactions with people, for example, extreme dependency or "clinginess" to one caregiver.
Young children with autism often fail to show, bring, or point out things of interest to their parents or others. Make-believe and social play may not develop normally. Repetitive, stereotypic motor mannerisms may be observed. Some individuals with autism may be intensely preoccupied with a few objects or repetitive ritualistic activities.
Autism Spectrum Disorders roughly affect 1 in 150 children. The cause is unknown. No medical "cure" for autism exists, however with effective treatment, there is hope.

What To Look For
An early diagnosis is critical. If by 12-18 months of age, your child, or a child you know is exhibiting two or more of the characteristics listed below, FEAT/RI encourages you to seek a developmental evaluation from qualified professionals:

Does your child attend to language less than his typical peers or not at all?
Usually fail to respond when his name is called?
Sometimes appear deaf to spoken words or other sounds?
Does the child fail to share his interests with you by bringing you things and pointing out items to indicate his interest?
Is the child's eye contact irregular, uncomfortable, or non-existent?
Is the child uninterested in other people (including other children), or has his interest in other children decreased?

Some (but not all) children with Autism/Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) also exhibit some of the following characteristics:

Unusual body movements
Word loss
Hand or finger flapping
Moving objects repetitively before their eyes
Unusual responses to sound, light or touch
Preference for sameness
Difficulty in transitions from one activity to another
Limited, repetitive toy play
Lack of pretend play
Irrational fears
Lining up of objects
Noncompliance with adult requests

The information and resources on the Families for Effective Autism Treatment of Rhode Island web site and Listerv (Site) are for educational and informational purposes only. Information provided through the Site should not be used as a substitute for care by a qualified Developmental Pediatrician, Pediatric Neurologist, Behavioral Psychologist, Behavior Analyst, Speech and Language Pathologist, Attorney, or other appropriate professional.