Autism
Welcome to the New VFN Autism Web Resources !
Thank you for visiting our Autism Resources. We hope you find the information you are looking for and invite your feedback.
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Vermont Family Network (VFN) provides families of individuals with Autism and the people who support them with family centered, accessible information, appropriate referrals and assistance. We can assist families and individuals with:
- phone support
- information and help navigating complex systems of care
- answering questions, and connecting them with resources
Our goals are to provide information on Autism, Autism and Adulthood, Autism Treatments, Calendar of conferences,events and trainings statewide, Camps and Recreation, Directory of providers, Education, Funding, Kid’s Corner, Legislation, News, Resources, Safety, Support groups, and Vermont’s Response to Autism.
Information about Autism Spectrum Disorders:
What is Autism?
Autism is one specific condition within a larger group of conditions known as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) or the Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disorders that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. Included in this group are :
- Autistic Disorder or classic Autism,
- Rett Syndrome
- Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
- Asperger Syndrome
- Pervasive Developmental Disorder, not otherwise specified (PDD/NOS)
Because there are some overlapping symptoms across these disorders, Autism, Asperger and PDD.NOS are often referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The words Autism, ASD and PDD are used interchangeably. The word “spectrum” is important in understanding Autism because it refers to the wide range of behavioral signs, symptoms, and degrees of severity that affect individuals. Each individual on the spectrum is an individual, and their needs are unique and specific to them.
As your child grows and develops, there are many developmental milestones that occur. If you suspect your child has Autism there are several red flags to look for; speak to your physician about screening for Autism , learn the signs and act early.
- Video information about child development milestones are available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Audio clips providing information on Autism are available through the American Academy of Pediatrics.
There are Best Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis of Pervasive Development Disorders in Vermont.
Where can you go if you have concerns about your young child?
- A visit to the child’s physician.
- Vermont’s Parent Child Centers. They serve as clearinghouses for general information about child and family issues.
- Children’s Integrated Services (CIS). They provide services for children under the age of 6. If you are the parent of a child age 6 or younger, and you have questions or concerns about a suspected developmental delay or condition, you can contact the CIS coordinator in your region.
- Under Child Find in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, each school district is responsible to evaluate children ages 3 through 21 that are suspected of having a disability. Contact your local school for the name and number of the Special Education Coordinator if you suspect your child has Autism.
There are many resources and websites to visit that are available to help families navigate a new diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Fact sheets on Autism Spectrum Disorders are available in English and for other languages, click here .
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The development of this website was fully funded by a grant to the Vermont Department of Health from the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration.
