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Autism Society

Montgomery County, MD

Our mission, through advocacy, information, referral, and financial
aid, is to make Montgomery County a better place for persons on the
autism spectrum.

Call Us: +1.301.652.3912
[email protected]

Autism

ABOUT AUTISM

​Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability; signs typically appear during early childhood and affect a person’s ability to communicate, and interact with others. ASD is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a “spectrum condition” that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause of autism, but increased awareness and early diagnosis and intervention and access to appropriate services/supports lead to significantly improved outcomes. Some of the behaviors associated with autism include delayed learning of language; difficulty making eye contact or holding a conversation; difficulty with executive functioning, which relates to reasoning and planning; narrow, intense interests; poor motor skills’ and sensory sensitivities. Again, a person on the spectrum might follow many of these behaviors or just a few, or many others besides. The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder is applied based on analysis of all behaviors and their severity.

​In March 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued their ADDM autism prevalence report. The report concluded that the prevalence of autism had risen to 1 in every 68 births in the United States – nearly twice as great as the 2004 rate of 1 in 125 – and almost 1 in 54 boys. The spotlight shining on autism as a result has opened opportunities for the nation to consider how to serve families facing a lifetime of supports for their children. In June 2014, researchers estimated the lifetime cost of caring for a child with autism is as great as $2.4 million. The Autism Society estimates that the United States is facing almost $90 billion annually in costs for autism. (This figure includes research, insurance costs and non-covered expenses, Medicaid waivers for autism, educational spending, housing, transportation, employment, related therapeutic services and caregiver costs.)

Know the signs

Autism is treatable. Children do not “outgrow” autism, but studies show that early diagnosis and intervention lead to significantly improved outcomes. For more information on developmental milestones, visit theCDC’s “Know the Signs. Act Early” site.

​Here are some signs to look
for in the children in your
life:

  • Lack of or delay in spoken language
  • Repetitive use of language and/or motor
  • mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects)
  • Little or no eye contact
  • Lack of interest in peer relationships
  • Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play
  • Persistent fixation on parts of objects

Who We Are

Co-Presidents: Mark Hajjar and Keri Calandro
Secretary: Scott Kaufman
Treasurer: John RothBoard members: Barb Selbst,  Liz Roth, Karen Hutchison, Linda Wingo, Lori Kaufman,
Jennifer Repella, Patricia Tunnerman-Stewart,
Betty Bahadori.

About the Autism
Society of America

The Autism Society, the nation’s leading grassroots
autism organization, exists to improve the lives of all
affected by autism. We do this by increasing public
awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by
people on the spectrum, advocating for appropriate
services for individuals across the lifespan, and
providing the latest information regarding treatment,
education, research and advocacy.   Learn more at 
www.autism-society.org 

Learn how you can get involved with
the Autism Society, Montgomery
County.

DONATE

DONATE
Make a single or monthly
donation. Any and all
donations help.

VOLUNTEER

VOLUNTEER
Can’t spend a dime?
Then, spend some
time… helping us help
those in need.

SPREAD THE WORD

SPREAD THE WORD
Post it, tweet it, share
it. The more people
you tell, the more help
we can receive.

Let us know how we can help you.

P.O. Box 1437 Olney, MD 20830
+1.301-652-3912 • [email protected]