Autism Concerns for Fort Worth Families
Parents in Fort Worth often contact us to look for local resources and to see if their child might have autism. So when should a parent be concerned?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a syndrome that affects the neurological system and can hinder speech and interaction. The fact that it isn’t terminal typically makes it one of the most distressing diagnosis. Many parents fear their autistic kid will be bullied or treated differently. They fear it will rob them of a rich and fulfilling existence.
Many parents don’t realize that every ASD diagnosis is unique to each child. No two autistic children will ever display the same symptoms or require the same degree of assistance. In fact, growing evidence shows that some kids outgrow their diagnoses. While there is no cure for ASD, treatment has helped children not just cope but also thrive.
Many diagnosis are possible by age 2. Early indicators of a disease include delayed milestones, although not always:
- Abhorrence of being held
- Little to no eye contact
- Anger or reluctance to change
- No interest in others (children or caretakers)
- No reaction to noises, voices, or names
- Smiling at 6 months, motions like pointing or waving by 12 months, and one-word speech by 16 months, and two-word speaking by 24 months.
- Regression of mastered talents
- Words, phrases, or actions
longing for solitude
Autism symptoms
Some of the more prevalent indicators of autism include:
- Refusing to look
- Speech and communication delays
- Routines and rules
- Getting irritated about tiny adjustments
- Sight, touch, and scent sensations that aren’t expected
- Inability to comprehend others’ feelings
- Obsession with a limited range of interests or items
- repeated motions such as hand flapping or rocking
- 12 month olds not responding to their names
- 14 month olds not pointing at faraway things
Fort Worth, TX Autism Support Group
Ft Worth Support group Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1983419775259467/?ref=br_rs
Dallas/Fort Worth Virtual Parent/Caregiver Support Group
Contact: daniellez@kyocare.com
Meets second Wednesday of each month 6-7:30pm. For parents and caregivers.
Autism Resources in Fort Worth, TX
Texas offers services and supports for Texans with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families.
Early Childhood Intervention Services (ECI)
ECI is a statewide program for families with children, birth to three years, with disabilities and developmental delays. ECI supports families to help their children reach their potential through developmental services. Services are provided by a variety of local agencies and organizations across Texas.
Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities Services (IDD)
Services assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have problems with learning, mobility, language, self-care, and independent living. Programs include:
Community ICF/IDD programs
Home and Community-based Services
Texas Home Living Program
Independent Living Services (ILS)
The Independent Living Services (ILS) program promotes self-sufficiency for people with disabilities despite the presence of one or more significant disabilities. Objectives of ILS include but are not limited to: living independently, decreasing dependence on family members and attendant services, decreasing the need for supervision in activities of daily living, and increasing a self-directed lifestyle.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Vocational Rehabilitation programs help people with disabilities prepare for, find or retain employment and help youth and students prepare for post-secondary opportunities. The programs also help businesses and employers recruit, retain and accommodate employees with disabilities.
Lifeline Chat is a service of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in partnership with CONTACT USA. It is the first service of its kind where crisis centers across the United States have joined together to form one national chat network that can provide online emotional support, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention services. The chat specialists are here to listen and support you through whatever difficult times you may be facing.
No-cost classes, support group programs and programs for people affected by mental illness and their loved ones as well as education and training for schools, workplaces, faith communities and neighborhoods. 512-693-2000
Stop Bullying
Bullying can affect you in many ways. You may lose sleep or feel sick. You may want to skip school. You may even be thinking about suicide. If you are feeling hopeless or helpless or know someone that is, please call the LIFELINE at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Autism Speaks Crisis Intervention Resources
Autism Speaks has put together resources to help members of the autism community – individuals with autism, families, friends and caregivers –with accessing support and resources needed to manage a crisis situation.
Autism Speaks, Fort Worth, TX Office
Next Steps for Fort Worth Families
Pine Cone Therapies, LLC is a leading provider of early intervention Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and speech therapy. Our clinicians are devoted to helping children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We have practiced in Dallas-Fort Worth for over a decade and have expanded to Houston.
Complete our contact form to get started:F