The last decade has brought greater awareness and advances in understanding autism. Each person is unique just as the autism awareness puzzle piece symbol reflects. There are no two cases alike.

Welcome to autism 101!

Autism, also referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges in three main areas: social skills, restrictive and repetitive behaviors and language /communication delays. According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC), autism affects an estimated 1 in 59 children in the United States, affecting boys four times more often than girls. Locally, Volusia County Schools data reveals serving 15,361 Exceptional Student Educational Students ( ESE); 3,168 of which are served under the primary exceptionality of Autism. This accounts for 22 % of the total recorded Exceptional Student Education population within Volusia County schools.

ASD does not discriminate across racial, ethnic or socioeconomic groups. Minority groups tend to be diagnosed late and less often. The average age of diagnosis is 4.4 years of age according to the CDC but can be reliably diagnosed as early as 18 months by a skilled team. 1 in 37 boys will be diagnosed with autism as compared to 1 in 150 girls. More recent studies are beginning to show an elevation in data of females being diagnosed in adulthood. According to the CDC (CDC 2014), 1% of the World population has autism spectrum disorder. More than 3.5 million Americans are living with ASD (Buescher et al., 2014) which is comparable to statistics in Asia, Europe and North America reporting an average prevalence between 1-2 % (CDC, 2014). The prevalence in Autism in U.S. children has increased from 1 in 150 births in 2000 to 1 in 59 in 2018, a staggering increase of 39%. Autism services cost the United States citizens $236-262 billion dollars annually with the majority of these costs centered on adult services (Bloomberg new report 2014-06-09/Autism costs).
 
Autism Spectrum Disorder is an umbrella term /diagnosis. In 2013 the Psychiatric Association merged four distinct diagnoses to include the following: Autistic Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder –Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger’s Syndrome. Autism is diagnosed through the use of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual, 5th Edition ( DSM-5) which notes that individuals previously diagnosed with Asperger’s  Disorder or Pervasive Developmental Disorder should be given  a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder ( DSM-5, page 51). Additionally, another change in the DSM-5 indicated individuals who have significant deficits in social communication, but whose symptoms do not otherwise meet criteria for autism/ASD, should be evaluated for Social (pragmatic) Communication Disorder
 (DSM-5, pg. 47, 51).
 
The average age of diagnosis nationally is 4.4 years which is derived from the CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities (ADDM) Network. The ADDM is an active surveillance system that estimates autism prevalence among children aged 8 years old whose parents reside in the 11 ADDM sites within Unites States ( CDC 2016). All cases of autism have varying abilities. Upon diagnosis, a level of support (DSM-5; 3 levels: support, substantial support and very substantial support) is provided based on the child’s level of symptomology. Research determined 31 % of the children with ASD have an intellectual disability (IQ<70: Autism speaks), 25% are in the borderline range (IQ 71-85) and 44% have IQ scores in the average to above average range (greater than 85).
 
What causes autism?
The cause of autism is largely unknown however the vast majority of cases indicate genetic involvement. Research shows there are both genetic and environmental links that place a child at a higher risk for autism. Studies show children born to older parents are at higher risk. Parents who have a child with autism have a 2-18% chance of having a second child on the Spectrum. In the case of twin births, if one twin has autism then the second will be affected about 36-95% of the time. With non-identical twins, the second child is affected with ASD 31 % of the time. Vaccines do NOT cause autism. Because children receive early immunizations around the same age autism symptoms become more visible, thus, parents may link the two. Science proves that vaccines protect against disease and strengthen the immune system. There is no medical detection such as blood tests or brain scans to diagnose autism. The goal is to lessen the symptoms and build skills to support success. 
 
Autism does not typically result in obvious appearance differences. People with ASD may communicate, interact and behave in different ways. The hallmark of autism is having impaired social skills. They have difficulty engaging with others. Eye contact and physical affection may be uncomfortable. They may struggle with reciprocal interactions, sustaining conversations and building relationships. Anxiety, depression and social isolation often occur into adulthood. Children with ASD may also demonstrate repetitive behaviors such as hand flapping, lining up objects or repeating select sounds or phrases. They often struggle with changes in routines and may refuse or act out when changes in their predictable schedule are altered.  Transitions between places or activities is a common challenge as this may produce mild-severe anxiety resulting in what appears as a meltdown of varying degree. This could be met with refusal, screaming, aggression, and elopement and even self-harm. Children on the spectrum may also have different ways of learning, paying attention or reacting to sensations from their environment. Common red flags of autism might include: delays in speech or language (verbal and non-verbal), lack of pretend play, repetition of words/phrases, obsessive interests, upset with minor changes, rocking and hand flapping, picky eater or unusual reactions to the ways things look, taste, smell or feel. Many children with autism find comfort in visually stimulating activities specifically technology (TV, phone, computer). Lining up objects, sorting by category, looking at objects from odd angles are common visually stimulating behaviors.
 
Children with ASD develop at different rates. Some may have delays in language and others demonstrate above average vocabulary. A child may demonstrate gifted abilities with computers but struggle with basic self-care tasks and making friends. There are age specific developmental milestones families should be aware of and discuss any developmental gaps with their child’s pediatrician. Early screening for autism should be completed at 18, 24 and 36 months during well visits.

The M-CHAT (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers) is a psychological questionnaire that evaluates risk for autism spectrum for ages 16-30 months. Additionally, general developmental screenings can also be beneficial to identify developmental gaps and need for more specific testing for autism. Local resources for early developmental screenings and autism can be found through local programs with Easterseals, Early Steps (ages 0-3), Help Me Grow with the United Way and Ages and Stages screening found within many childcare facilities via the Early Learning Coalition.  Screening young children is an effective way for parents and professionals to identify children’s delays or disorders in the critical early years in order to act swiftly with interventions for best results.
 
Diagnosing Autism can be a difficult task because it is based on systematic observations. There is no medical test to identify autism. Doctor’s evaluate a child’s behaviors and development to make a diagnosis. A Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation (CDE) is best practice. A pediatrician may refer parents to a specialist such as a neurologist, developmental pediatrician, psychiatrist or psychologist. An intensive parent interview and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) is considered the gold standard for diagnostic testing. The ADOS is a standardized test to observe the presence or absence of common behaviors in children with autism. Once a diagnosis is levied an individual treatment plan can be developed which often includes applied behavior analysis (ABA-behavior), Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters (PLAY Project), developmental therapies such as occupational, speech/language and physical therapies as well as medication in some cases. Medication does not cure autism but it can alleviate some intense symptoms associated with autism such as seizures, anxiety, attention challenges, and aggression and self-harm. Complimentary interventions may also be recommended to include the following: child counseling, family counseling and training, assistive technology, nutrition/feeding aversion interventions, as well as environmental and educational supports.
 
Additionally, complementary and alternative treatments may also present as a choice to parents to decrease symptomology of autism. Examples might include: specialty diets, chelation therapy (removal of lead/metals from the body), biologicals (i.e. Secretin). These types of interventions are very controversial and should be well researched and discussed with your child’s pediatrician in advance.
 
Caregivers also need support as caring for a child with autism can be overwhelming both emotionally and financially. Parents are encouraged to build their knowledge of autism and local resources and supports. Enlist extended family members and neighbors to strengthen your support and safety circle. It is equally important for parents to take time for themselves. Studies have shown 50% of married couples with a child with autism will end in divorce. Build in date time, ask for help, accept help and know your community resources. A balance of work rest and play is essential for EVERYbody.  Act now and get connected. Easterseals is the local trusted provider for comprehensive diagnostic and treatment for autism as well as respite services. Call or stop by today for more information.
 
Autism is a lifelong disorder requiring lifelong support. Over the next decade, an estimated 500,000 teens (50,000 per year) will enter adulthood and age out of the school system. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (News Release Feb 26,2019), 19.1% of people with disabilities in the U.S. are employed as compared to those without a disability at 65.9%. More than half of young adults with ASD remain unemployed and unenrolled in higher education in the two years after high school . This is a lower rate of young adults than other disability categories including learning disabilities, intellectual disability or speech–language impairment according to Autism Speaks. Nearly half of the 25 year olds with autism have never held a paying job. Research continues to support job tasks that encourage independence, reduce autism symptoms and increase daily living skills. The majority of autism costs in the US are for adult services. We can do better!

Costs and level of support can be greatly reduced with early intervention. Children can make gains and live productive, fulling lives. There is hope. There is a future.  There is Easterseals! Early detection and intervention is essential.
 
Contact Easterseals Autism Center of Excellence at 386-944-7856 to learn more about comprehensive services and resources available in your community. Financial assistance available.  Act now! Let’s get started together.
 
Dorothy Lefford, OTR/L, CPHC
Vice President - Clinical Services
Easterseals Northeast Central Florida

Allison Berard, MS, BCBA, started in mid-January as a Behavior Analyst for Easterseals. She will be responsible for training teachers, parents and caregivers how to teach school readiness, play and social interaction skills as well as how positively and successfully manage problem behavior. She is excited about her specialized role and hopes to help others understand the process. "Behavior change isn’t magic!" says Allison, "The desired outcome usually takes a lot of time, dedication and consistency but the outcomes can be magical!"

Allison Berard obtained both her Bachelor of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2005 and Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2008 from the University of North Texas. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Owner of Behavior Launch. Before creating Behavior Launch, Allison had been practicing behavior analysis in applied settings with parents and children with special needs for fourteen years. Allison collaborated with many organizations around the country providing direct therapy, parent training and crisis intervention. She has worked with countless families developing effective plans to assist with concerns such as picky eating, sibling rivalry, family participation, homework refusal, aggressive peer play and much more. She is an active member of the International Association for Behavior Analysis and Florida Association for Behavior Analysis. Her professional interests include parent training, self-regulation skills, autism and other developmental disabilities. She has worked on multiple projects over the years focused on teaching introductory behavior analysis concepts and investigating the effectiveness of parent training programs. In her free time, Allison enjoys spending time with her husband and daughters, nature walks and porch lounging.

Daytona Beach, FL (February 3, 2020) - Black River Entertainment’s Pryor & Lee spent Thursday morning with the kids at Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida.  The duo, comprised of Pryor Baird and Kaleb Lee, performed as part of the “100 Leaders, 100 Readers” initiative in honor of Easterseals National 100th birthday. 

“It was such a blast hanging out with the folks at Easterseals,” says Pryor & Lee.  “Watching the kids sing and dance while we sang was such a fun experience for all and we were honored to be a part.” 

About Pryor & Lee 
Black River Entertainment recording artists Pryor & Lee are the first country duo signed to the Nashville based entertainment company. The duo, consisting of Pryor Baird and Kaleb Lee, were brought together as roommates on NBC's singing competition The Voice and eventually began performing together, sparking an undeniable musical connection. Prior to joining forces, Kaleb and Pryor were pursuing solo careers. In 2019, Pryor toured across the country in support of his solo EP titled All Over Me featuring songs from hit-songwriters Tommy Carlisle, Trent Willmon, and Easton Corbin. Meanwhile, Lee released four singles including "I Dream in Southern" (Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, and Brandy Clark) featuring superstar Kelly Clarkson. Ultimately, they decided to combine Pryor’s electric guitar skills and “growly bluesy pipes and stellar vocal range"(Rare Country) with Lee’s “soulful and whiskey-soaked vocals” (Billboard) to create a fresh sound with a throwback vibe. Pryor & Lee will embark on their debut tour “Country’s Back” beginning on March 1 in Fontana, CA and are set to release new music on Black River Entertainment later this year. For more information, visit www.pryorandlee.com.

About Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida

Through early intervention and inclusive early childhood education to autism services and specialized therapies, Easterseals goes the extra mile to ensure that children with special needs — and the families who love them — can lead full and meaningful lives. Our purpose is to change the way the world defines and views disability...whether physical, intellectual, emotional or social, by making profound, positive differences in people's lives...everyday.  To learn more about Easterseals Northeast Central Florida, please visit www.eastersealsnecfl.org or follow Easterseals on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/esnecfl.org/ on Instagram @eastersealsnecfll or our blog at https://www.eastersealsnecflblog.org/blog.

Easterseals goes the extra mile to ensure that children with special needs can lead meaningful lives. We're able to do this because we have YOU as a partner. 

Through early intervention and inclusive early childhood education to autism diagnoses and specialized therapies, young children with special needs CAN have a clear path to success from the start. You can make that happen with your financial gift! 

Easterseals Northeast Central Florida would be honored to receive your year-end or monthly gift to support children with special needs –- and the families who love them. Would you consider a year-end or monthly gift? Your kindness in giving flows to literally thousands of local children. Click this link to give easily or to learn more about the giving levels.

As you consider your gift this year, we invite you to read the stories of Easterseals Ambassadors Carl and Scarlett. Their families share their stories so that you can learn more about Easterseals services and the impact you make through your financial support.

You can count on Easterseals to continue to go the extra mile until every child with special needs is 100% empowered with the services and supports they need to thrive. Please join us with a year-end gift today! Thank you!

Meet Carl
Grinning ear to ear with twinkly brown eyes smiling beneath plastic blue-rimmed glasses, Carl, age 3, exudes
happiness and love. His parents Angela and Steve have taught him such things, just as Easterseals’ Early Steps is
teaching Carl how to grow and learn through physical, occupational and speech therapies. Angela and Steve appreciate the Easterseals therapists’ teamwork approach and how they encourage their confidence. “They always explain things even if they might not be what we want to hear,” said Angela. “The therapists redirect us in ways that are better for Carl. The growth we have seen in him has been phenomenal.”

Meet Scarlett
Scarlett is a curious, sweet-tempered five-year-old who’s been in the Easterseals of Northeast Florida family since her birth. Her connection with Easterseals began via her enrollment in Early Steps when she was only a few months old. The in-home visits by Early Steps therapists began soon thereafter. When Scarlett finished the Early Steps program, she entered Easterseals Charter School in DeLand. Some of the challenges Easterseals therapists have addressed with Scarlett include walking and communication. Today, Scarlett is much more exploratory and inquisitive, too, evidence she’s on the
right path.

Easterseals’ work with children and families is often visible. After all, some of a child’s most obvious developments include how they progress from crawling to walking, how they learn to feed themselves, or how they learn to read. The list goes on.

But, as most know, Easterseals services attend to the whole child – including his or her social development, emotional development and creativity.

Thanks to a recently received financial contribution, Easterseals’ Early Childhood Education Center, Daytona Beach, soon will begin offering the “Create a Pal” program to its students, allowing teachers to help children better develop important social-emotional skill sets.

Through Create a Pal, teachers will be able to create magical experiences for the children already enrolled, while allowing new students to Create a Pal (stuffed animal) when they enroll at the Center. The fuzzy friends they make with through their own creativity can comfort them while they’re at school and go back and forth from home to school with them every day as well. 

“Being able to tie in the creativity of making your own stuffed animal friend with our curriculum is amazing,” said Principal Margaret Smith. “We can use the Create a Pal machine to enhance everything we do, particularly when it comes to social-emotional learning.”

 “We’re grateful to the donor who made this program possible in our school,” said President/CEO Bev Johnson. “With Create a Pal, our teachers are able to provide yet another way to encourage children’s creativity and support them in their emotional development. Those are two features of our Early Childhood Education Centers that truly set them apart from other centers.” 
​
Teachers are being trained in how to bring Create a Pal to life and parents of students at the school soon will be able to register their children for the program. It’s only a matter of time before Easterseals’ Early Childhood Education Center is brimming with fuzzy friends and extra-wide smiles.  

William Arthur Ward once wrote, “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”

What wise words he shared with us; they’re particularly salient during this season of giving, when we are reminded of all the gifts for which we are grateful. 

At a recent board meeting, Easterseals Board Member and Officer Constance Yuschok voiced her gratitude for the Easterseals’ commitment to her family. Her daughter AnnaHart has received Easterseals services for many years and has grown into a flourishing and beautiful young woman. 

Constance’s heartfelt sentiments regarding why she proudly supports Easterseals with her time, talent and treasure touched all present at the meeting. We gratefully share them with you below:

• I am grateful to my dad, Dr. Treloar, for immediately recognizing the needs of his two-day-old granddaughter, Annahart, and knowing whom to ask.

• I am grateful to Lynn Sinnott, Bev (Johnson’s) predecessor, for referring my Dad to Easterseals. 

• I am grateful for the Early Intervention and subsequent years of all types of therapy provided by Easterseals which helped turn my daughter's disabilities into abilities!

• I am grateful to Amal, AnnaHart’s physical therapist, who taught her to walk after many sessions and years of work.

• I am grateful to the sensory therapist who wrapped AnnaHart in rolled-up blankets, had her do hand stands (or knee stands, as it were), thereby lessening AnnaHart’s sensitivity to noises.

• I am grateful to the speech therapist who helped AnnaHart develop muscles in her face, try to overcome hypotonia, and make sounds and talk.

• I am grateful to Dorothy Lefford, the occupational therapist who helped AnnaHart try to obtain some coordination with puzzles, etc., in order to write, as well as deal with her swallowing and food  issues.

• I am grateful to the behavior therapist who taught us how to try to manage AnnaHart’s outbursts.
​
• I am grateful to Easterseals for giving my daughter the opportunity to be her best self! AnnaHart now lives at Stewart Home School in Frankfort, Kentucky, where she can be more independent, have friends, be surrounded with others like her, have a productive life and help others at her school with equine therapy.

• And finally, I am grateful for all of the Easterseals leaders who support Easterseals not only with time, treasure and talent, but also allow other children and adults the opportunity to turn their disabilities into abilities too.

During fiscal year 2019, Easterseals Northeast Central Florida made an incredible impact on children, families and our community. Here are some results by the numbers: 

• 5,710 kids empowered when they received early intervention, inclusive early childhood education, autism diagnosis and specialized therapies to master skills needed to develop and thrive
• 596 respite hours of free child care provided to families of children with disabilities, delivering a compassionate and highly practical solution for families to take a short, healthy break from daily caregiving
• $163,000 in scholarships awarded to 175 financially vulnerable families who are "uninsured or underinsured," alleviating a huge barrier to accessing life-changing services for their child
• 2,067 developmental screenings provided so families can confidently share developmental concerns with their pediatrician or physician, allowing for the earliest intervention possible
• 199 hearing assessments provided so families can confidently share developmental concerns with their pediatrician or physician allowing for the earliest intervention possible

Support the great work of Easterseals Northeast Central Florida by contributing today. Visit www.eastersealsnecfl.org or contact Susan Moor, VP Planned Giving, at 386-944-7820 or smoor@esnecfl.org. 

Need a healthy break from caregiving? Joey’s Gift Respite, an Easterseals program, is designed to care for your child with special needs between the ages of 1-18. Joey’s Gift Respite offers four-hour breaks on designated Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The next session will be Saturday, November 16 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Easterseals Northeast Central Florida, 1219 Dunn Ave, Daytona Beach. 
 
Trained staff and volunteers care for children in a safe and fun environment. Siblings are welcome, too. Plan to pack a lunch for all children attending, and if needed, include personal hygiene supplies or medications.
 
Complete the enrollment form for Joey’s Gift Respite if it’s your first time attending. All caregivers must sign up online in advance or call Easterseals at 386-944-7816 at least five days before the scheduled program.
 
Take a break, with confidence, with support from Joey’s Gift Respite. Take time to take care of you.

​When Bob and Wendy Minotti’s beloved son Joey passed away, they committed themselves to a mission of love in Joey’s name. They established Joey’s Gift, an effort to ensure that families with disabled children have access to the respite services necessary to keep their children close and families intact. 

​The Minottis, drawing from their own experience of being forced to place Joey outside the home, have created a pathway of hope for other families dealing with the stress of constant caregiving. Partnering with Easterseals Northeast Central Florida in 2007, Bob and Wendy continue to realize their dream of helping others through Joey’s Gift  Respite Care program at Easterseals.

Easterseals understands that parents who may have left their child with special needs for the very first time could feel extremely anxious. That's why Easterseals offers free care and encouragement for parents of children with disabilities and allows them to take a short, healthy break with their spouse, go shopping alone, or carve out time to offer focused attention to another child in the family. The greatest impact of the Joey’s Gift program is the precious opportunity for families to feel comfortable and entitled to a short healthy break.

Will you help Easterseals keep this robust and important program flourishing in our community? Your financial gift will continue and enhance Joey’s Gift FREE monthly events.  You can Adopt-A-Day, sponsor the Fun Day activity, or just help with crafts and snacks.  If you feel led, you can help EXPAND respite care to Easterseals DeLand center and Project WARM in Bunnell.  

When grateful parents return from their break, we often hear, “It gives my husband and I a few hours a month to relax, enjoy a little freedom, and get a much needed break” and “Parenting alone is hard, especially with a child with special needs.  Now I have a few precious hours each month to recharge so I can be at my best.”

In short, a healthy break is a priceless gift! Joey's Gift spreads a message of caring, compassion and understanding, delivering a unique gift and highly practical need expressed by families.
 
​You may donate to support Joey's Gift Respite program online here or contact Susan Moor at smoor@esnecfl.org or 386-944-7820.for more information. 

Easterseals Northeast Central Florida has created a new category for recognizing outstanding staff members as part of its “Emerging Leaders” awards.
 
Recently at Easterseals' annual meeting, board member Melissa Burt DeVriese recognized three staff members recognized by their supervisors for overall initiative and growth mindset for the Easterseals organization. The honorees -- Deanna McGrath, Michelle Bucalos and Christina Hopkins -- are listed below. Read more about them and join us in recognizing their incredible effort, top-notch professionalism and investment in Easterseals mission!
 
Deanna McGrath, School Therapy Coordinator and Autism Case Manager – Deanna stepped into a new position at Easterseals as a school therapy coordinator last year and hit the ground running. She has assisted in scheduling, paperwork, is known for her consistent friendliness and upbeat attitude. She’s also an impressive seeker of new opportunities for the organization as a whole.
 
Michelle Bucalos, Programs Manager – Michelle is a lifelong learner and has jumped at opportunities that have presented themselves. She was one of the first staff members to fully engage in the training and use of Easterseals' donor relations management system, and she recently began writing grants as well. (Notably, Michelle found two grants that may be a good fit for Easterseals, researched them, wrote the narratives and secured funding for Easterseals through both opportunities!)
 
Christina Hopkins, Assistant Principal, Charter Schools – Christina has worked tirelessly building her team and building relationships in DeLand to increase quality and improve our students and families’ pre-school experiences at the Charter School there. She has done an outstanding job advancing the school, surpassing all expectations with performance. Christina is dedicated to her job and her team and families and demonstrates it daily. Most recently, she oversaw a complete renovation of the DeLand location as she acted as project manager, cheerleader, a hands-on "worker bee" and role model. Christina and her team did an incredible job to transform the Deland Charter School into a charming, inviting community school.
 
We are thankful for Deanna, Michelle and Christina and their ongoing efforts to help Easterseals fulfill its mission: to provide exceptional services to ensure that all people with disabilities and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities.

Learn more about Easterseals programs and how our incredible team brings them to life at www.eastersealsnecfl.org.