Autism Awareness Month
April 2024
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), hereafter referred to as Autism (which includes Asperger’s Disorder and Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified [PDD-NOS]), is a complex, lifelong developmental condition that typically appears during early childhood and can impact a person’s social skills, communication, relationships, and self-regulation. The Autism experience is different for everyone. It is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is often referred to as a “spectrum condition” that affects people differently and to varying degrees.
While there is currently no known single cause of Autism, early diagnosis helps a person receive resources that can support the choices and opportunities needed to live fully.
For more information: https://autismsociety.org/screening-diagnosis/
Signs And Symptoms
The presentation and severity of symptoms vary widely among individuals with ASD. Early signs of ASD may be observed in an infant as young as 6 months old. Some common signs and symptoms of ASD include:
- Lack of eye contact
- Not responding appropriately to greetings
- Difficulty initiating and maintaining conversations with others
- Not responding appropriately to others’ gestures and facial expressions
- Difficulty using gestures and facial expressions appropriately
- Appearing to be unaware of others’ feelings
- Not engaging in pretend play
- Preferring to play alone
- Repeating sounds, words, or phrases out of context
- Becoming distressed by minor changes in routines
- Performing repetitive movements, such as hand–flapping or rocking
- Playing with toys in unusual ways, e.g., spinning them or lining them up
- Having unusually strong attachments to particular objects
- Limiting conversations to very specific topics
- Exhibiting oversensitivity to sounds or textures
- Appearing to be indifferent to pain
- Experiencing delays or plateaus in skill development
- Losing previously acquired skills
- Displaying challenging behaviors, such as aggression, tantrums, and self-injury
Prevalence
The factors contributing to increases in reported rates of ASD are not fully understood. While increased rates may be partially explained by improved screening and diagnostic practices, researchers are also exploring the roles of various environmental and genetic risk factors. The prevalence of ASD has increased more than 150% since 2000. CDC statistics reveal that ASD is present across all races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic groups. In addition, boys are more likely to develop ASD than girls.
Risk Factors
There is no single known cause for ASD. Rather, evidence suggests that there are many factors involved in the development of ASD. Researchers are actively exploring the roles of various genetic and environmental risk factors.
Treatment
Intensive behavioral intervention (IBI) using the principles and procedures of applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the only empirically validated treatment for ASD. ABA is conducted at a high intensity, typically between 30 and 40 hours per week, for multiple years. Evidence suggests that greater treatment intensity leads to superior outcomes. Evidence also indicates that ABA is more effective if initiated in early development; however, services initiated at any age are beneficial for the acquisition of valuable skills.
For more information: https://centerforautism.com/parent-resources/understanding-autism/
We Love Transition
Contact the PRC for an appointment to create your own visual in-home supports!
CISD 2024 Transition & Resource Fair
Thank you to our participants and volunteers
Dyslexia Brochure
Special Olympics Area 6 Basketball Skills Competition
The Special Olympics Area 6 Basketball Skills Competition was this past Saturday. The competition was hosted by the Conroe Stars Special Olympics coaches.
We have some BIG THANK YOU's that need to be handed out!
First and foremost, Conroe ISD for the continued support of the Conroe Stars Special Olympics Program. Thank you, Dr. Null!
Conroe High School - 9th grade campus for allowing us to host the competition. Thank you, Mr. Meyers!
- Conroe High School JROTC for posting the colors and helping unload the box truck & helping set up. Thank you, Commander Bartee and Cadets!
Ashlee Sims, Conroe High Student sang the National Anthem at the Opening Ceremony! Thank you, Mr. Key!
Moorhead Jr. High Lady Basketball Team for taking your Saturday and volunteering for the athletes! Thank you, Coach Bartell!
Moorhead Jr. High Nation Junior Honor Society for taking your Saturday off and volunteering for the athletes! Thank you, Sheila Pirella(NJHS Sponsor)
THANK YOU!!!
Four other teams were joining the Conroe Stars Special Olympics Team this year to hoop for the GOLD! The Magnolia Champions, Adapt and Overcome Gladiators are also from Magnolia, The Tigers from Brenham State Supported Learning Center, and the Washington County Bears from Brenham.
Special Olympics Area 6 Basketball Skills Competition
Special Olympics Area 6 Basketball Skills Competition
Special Olympics Area 6 Basketball Skills Competition
PRC Community Resource Directory
Summer Camps
Join our Remind Group
Texas Guide to Guardianship
Are you on the list?
Social Stories
ASL
Social Stories
I can be a kind and loving friend
Making Good Choices Game
Parent Training
Parent Resource Center Liaison
Prof Sp Ed/Parent Liaison
Special Education
M-F from 9 AM to 3 PM.
Email: parentresourcecenter@conroeisd.net
Website: www.conroeisd.net
Location: 701 North 3rd Street, Conroe, TX, USA
Phone: 936-709-8209
The Conroe Independent School District (District) as an equal opportunity educational provider and employer does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in educational programs or activities that it operates or in employment matters. The District is required by Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as Board policy not to discriminate in such a manner.
For information about Title IX rights or Section 504/ADA rights, contact the Title IX Coordinator or the Section 504/ADA coordinator at 3205 W. Davis, Conroe, TX 77304; (936) 709-7752.
The resources shared in this newsletter are for informational purposes only and do not constitute approval by the Parent Resource Center, Conroe ISD.