"Learn the early warning signs and talk to your doctor. Your family's future could be at stake"
– Jesse Martin, Law & Order

Did You Know...

·	Every 20 minutes a child is diagnosed with autism.
·	Today, 1 in 166 children is diagnosed with autism.

About Autism...

·	Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime. It is part of a group of disorders known as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
·	It is more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined.
·	It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and social groups, and is four times more likely to strike boys than girls. Autism impairs a person's ability to communicate and relate to others. It is also associated with rigid routines and repetitive behaviors, such as obsessively arranging objects or following very specific routines.
·	Symptoms can range from very mild to quite severe.

Signs...

·	No back-and-forth gestures, such as pointing, showing, reaching, or waving by 12 months.
·	Difficulty in verbal and nonverbal communication.
·	No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months or thereafter.
·	Loss of speech at any age.

What You Can Do...

·	Learn the developmental milestones a child goes through during early development.
·	Talk to your doctor if you are concerned your child may not be reaching those milestones.
·	Don't let anyone tell you not to worry. Early intervention can change your child's life.

For More Information...

·	Autism Speaks 1-800-937-1245 http://www.autismspeaks.org/whatisit/learnsigns.php