Understanding Autism: Acquiring Information to Create a Safe and Supportive Home

The Centers for Disease Control report that 1 in 68 children in the United States is diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This number has risen steadily over the past 20 years and represents an emerging segment of our youth population. Individuals with ASD are impacted in the domains of communication, behavior, and social interaction, often exhibiting unique responses, particulary in unfamiliar or stressful environments. Foster and adoptive families unfamiliar with the possible behaviors and characteristics of individuals on the autism spectrum may experience difficulty with the placement and with finding support. This presentation will provide information on Autism as well best practice in helping support a child on the spectrum.