Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder with symptoms that first appear in early childhood. Most children with autism look like other kids but they act and interact in ways that feel different from the behaviors of other children. When interacting with others, they may respond in unexpected ways, or they may not interact at all.
Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means that it appears in a range of forms and levels of severity. Some individuals develop typical capabilities in terms of speech and language – and develop exceptional skills – but struggle with lifelong social and behavioral differences. Others may have challenges in communication, sensory sensitivities, and behavioral issues, such as excessive tantrums, repetitive behaviors, aggression, and self-harm.
The good news is that appropriate treatments can improve outcomes for many, if not most, people diagnosed with ASD.
New Prague Area Schools have a number of Autism Specialists to support student in our school district. Please contact the school if you are concerned about your child and need information. New Prague Early Intervention Program: 952-758-1728
Below you will find resources for Autism Spectrum Disorders.
What is Autism Handout
The autism diagnosis age and intensity of autism’s early signs vary widely. Some infants show hints in their first months. In others, behaviors become obvious as late as age 2 or 3.
Not all children with autism show all the signs. Many children who don’t have autism show a few. That’s why professional evaluation is crucial.
The following may indicate your child is at risk for an autism spectrum disorder. If your child exhibits any of the following, ask your pediatrician or family doctor for an evaluation right away:
Few or no big smiles or other warm, joyful and engaging expressions
Limited or no eye contact
Little or no back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions
Little or no babbling
Little or no back-and-forth gestures such as pointing, showing, reaching or waving
Little or no response to name
Very few or no words
Very few or no meaningful, two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating)
Loss of previously acquired speech, babbling or social skills
Avoidance of eye contact
Persistent preference for solitude
Difficulty understanding other people’s feelings
Delayed language development
Persistent repetition of words or phrases (echolalia)
Resistance to minor changes in routine or surroundings
Restricted interests
Repetitive behaviors (flapping, rocking, spinning, etc.)
Unusual and intense reactions to sounds, smells, tastes, textures, lights and/or colors
The Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI) Benefit is a Minnesota Health Care Program.
The purpose of the EIDBI Benefit is to provide medically necessary early intensive intervention for people with ASD and related conditions.
A person is eligible to receive EIDBI services if he or she meets all of the following criteria:
Has had a comprehensive multi-disciplinary evaluation (CMDE) that establishes medical necessity for EIDBI services
Has a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or a related condition
Is enrolled in Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, Minnesota Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (MA-TEFRA) or other qualifying health care program
Is younger than 21 years old.
Refer to the Eligibility for EIDBI services page in the EIDBI Benefit Policy manual for more information.
Anyone, including a county case worker, school professional or child care provider, may make a referral to EIDBI services. A parent or caregiver may also reach out directly to one of the providers to request a CMDE. The CMDE provider determines if a person meets medical necessity for EIDBI services through the evaluation process. Once medical necessity is established, an EIDBI agency provides treatment services.
Background and Summary overview
Overview of the EIDBI Benefit (DHS)
DHS recognizes the following treatment modalities:
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
• Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-based (DIR)/Floortime model
• Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)
• Relationship Development Intervention (RDI).
Note: DHS may add other treatment modalities.
Autism Speaks www.autismspeaks,org
First Words-First Signs of Communication delays http://firstwords.fsu.edu
Center for Engaging Autism http://cea4autism.org/
Center for the Study of Autism (a wealth of information) www.autism.org
The Autism/PDD Resource Page www.autism-pdd.net
Neurodiversity Weblog (informative and also contains an interactive facial expressions and emotions game on line) www.neurodiversity.com/main.html
Great games and activity ideas for caregivers of children with autism www.autismgames.org
Resources for siblings of students with ASD www.autismsp eaks.org/ community/ family_services/ siblings. php
CDC website on Autism: www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html
The Autism Cafe You are Not Alone
Sleep Guidance for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Sleep Help for Those diagnosed with ASD https://www.sleephelp.org/autism-asd/
Sleep Guide for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder https://happysleepyhead.com/sleep-guide-for-children-with-autism-spectrum-disorder/
Autism Society of America www.autism.org
Autism Society of Minnesota (and lending library) www.ausm.org
Autism Society of America (ASA) Web: www.autism-society.org Phone: 1-800-328-8476
Minnesota Resource Store www.autismshop.com
Carol Gray Social Stories www.thegraycenter.org
https://candocanines.org/assistance-dogs/autism-assist-dogs/
General Criteria for Autism Assist Dog Applicants:
The family must reside in Minnesota.
The child must be between the ages of 2 and 7 years old when applying.
The child must have an autism diagnosis.
The family must be physically and financially able to take full responsibility for the dog after certification.
The autism community has been especially vocal about the benefits of the iPad and because of this there are many grants aimed specifically at getting iPads for children with autism. If your child is diagnosed with autism, you may want to look into these grants:
Autism Care & Treatment: ACT awards quarterly grants between $100 and $5,000 to families with children with autism.
Danny’s Wish Foundation: Danny’s Wish grants iPads to kids with autism once a year.
iTaalk: iTaalk’s tag line is “giving children with autism a voice… one iPad at a time!”
You could also contact your school or insurance company to see what their policy is regarding ipad purchase for autism
SPARK Autism research and genetic testing using free mail in saliva samples
AANE Aspbergers/Autism Network Free programs and services
Return to Developmental Resources
Return to Home