Your Health

Aiding Americans With Autism

Posted 9/17/2010

Helping children with autism blossom may be simpler than some think.

(NAPSI) - Research shows treatment in the form of early intervention services, such as therapy to help a child with autism communicate, learn and interact with others, can greatly improve the child's development. That's good news considering that a child is diagnosed with autism every 20 minutes. Autism has become the fastest-growing developmental disability in the world. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates as many as 1 in 110 children in the U.S. has autism--a developmental disability that significantly hinders social interaction, communication and behavior.

What To Watch For

Autism Spectrum Disorders tend to begin before the age of 3 and last a lifetime. Symptoms vary but can include:

• Not responding to their name by 12 months

• Not pointing at objects to show interest by 14 months

• Not playing "pretend" games by 18 months

• Avoiding eye contact and wanting to be alone

• Having trouble understanding other people's feelings or talking about their own feelings

• Getting upset by minor changes

• Having obsessive interests

• Having unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look or feel

All this can cause a high level of stress in a family--the average lifetime cost for caring for a child with autism is $3.5 million--so it's critical to not only help the child but to support the child's family as well.

To that end, Easter Seals has become one of the leading nonprofit service providers for children and adults living with autism and their families.

How You Can Help

Upload a photo of your child (age 5 or younger) to www.21centurychild.com along with an inspirational message. Then, post a link to the profile on your social network pages and encourage friends and family to make a donation to Act for Autism in your child's name. With a goal of raising $1 million through this 21st Century Child: Picture the Future campaign, Century 21 Real Estate LLC will donate $1 for each uploaded photo*. The biggest fundraiser wins a $2,100 Apple Gift Card. The next 6 fundraisers will receive an iPad.

All the money raised will help Easter Seals' Act for Autism provide families affected by autism with assistance, including emotional support for parents, equal access to treatment, and innovative coping strategies for children.

Learn More

To see the adorable pictures, get more information about autism or to join the campaign, visit www.21centurychild.com.

*Up to $100,000

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