What is Autism?
Parents in Houston often contact us to look for local resources and to see if their child might have autism. So what is autism exactly?
Autistic persons have trouble comprehending non-verbal cues like gestures or tone of voice. Some autistic persons can’t talk or have limited communication, while others have excellent language abilities but can’t recognize sarcasm or tone. Other issues:
- taking things literally and not understanding abstract concepts
- needing extra time to process information or answer questions
- repeating what others say to them (this is called echolalia)
Autistic persons sometimes have trouble’reading’ other people’s emotions and expressing their own. This can make navigating social media difficult. Autistics may:
- appear to be insensitive
- seek out time alone when overloaded by other people
- not seek comfort from other people
- appear to behave ‘strangely’ or in a way thought to be socially inappropriate
- find it hard to form friendships.
Autism is a “spectrum” condition because the symptoms vary widely. ASD affects people of all backgrounds. While ASD is a lifelong illness, therapies and services can help reduce symptoms and enhance function. Autism screening is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Contact Autism Speaks | Central Texas & Gulf Coast
Austin/San Antonio
(346) 399-4343
Houston
5826 New Territory Blvd., #723
Sugar Land, TX 77479
(713) 724-5092
Louisiana
(346) 399-4343
Autism Speaks Business Office
1060 State Road – 2nd Floor
Princeton, NJ 08540
Autism Resources in Houston, TX
Texas offers services and supports for Texans with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families.
Houston Autism Support Group: http://www.meetup.com/houstonautismresourcesandsupport/
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.
Next Steps for Houston 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 below to get started.