If your kids aren’t reaching milestones
in their development...

Autism Spectrum Disorders are a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 150 children have some form of Autism.

• Does not respond to sounds in first few months.
• Does not respond to their name by 12 months.
• Does not gesture by 14 months.
• Does not say single words by 16 months.
• Avoids eye contact and wants to be alone.
• Has trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings.
• Has delayed speech and language skills.
• Repeats words or phrases over and over.
• Has obsessive interests.
• Flaps their hands, rocks their body, or spins in circles.

If your child is not reaching certain milestones, contact your doctor and discuss your concerns. Your doctor may refer you to a more specialized physician who deals with developmental delays. Additionally, contact the following for evaluations:

• Programs for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities: Ages Infants through 2
  Bureau of Early Intervention, New York State Department of Health 1 (800) 522-5006 (“Growing Up Healthy” 24-Hour Hotline) • www.health.state.ny.us
• Programs for Children with Disabilities: Ages 3 through 5
  Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID) New York State Education Department • (518) 473-2878 • www.vesid.nysed.gov/specialed

Tom McKevitt:
Giving New Yorkers the Tools They Need to Succeed.