Autism Expert Meets with Families to Discuss Resources
and Strategies for Meeting Challenges

Cedar Knolls, NJ (March 18, 2005) – P.G. Chambers School recently presented "An Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder" as part of its Family Education Series.  The program was designed for families of young children recently diagnosed with autism and offered information about current intervention strategies, family involvement, decision-making, and community resources.  It is estimated that autism affects one of every two hundred and fifty children.

"When a child is diagnosed with a disability, parents are usually anxious to find out what local resources are available to them," said Joyce Kwasney, Coordinator of Autism Programs, P.G. Chambers School.  "It's important that they receive information and also have the opportunity to interact with other parents and families coping with the same issues."

Parents typically notice the symptoms of autism when the child is between eighteen months and three years old.  The disorder can impact a child's verbal and non-verbal communication and social interactions, although the specific characteristics and degree of disability varies among individuals.   Signs of autism may include difficulty in expressing needs, a preference in being alone, little or no eye contact, atypical attachments to objects, and repetitive behaviors.

Experts agree that early intervention and therapy is critical to the development of a child with autism. Whether it is a parent or a pediatrician who first suspects autism, the child will need to be referred to someone specializing in diagnosing autism spectrum disorders. This may be a developmental pediatrician, a psychiatrist, or psychologist.  Once a diagnosis has been made, the family may be referred to the New Jersey Early Intervention System if the child is under the age of three or to a school that is specially equipped to accommodate their needs if they are over the age of three.

P.G. Chambers School provides services for special needs children and their families from a nine-county area of northern New Jersey.  It is comprised of caring specialists possessing licenses and certifications in their own fields, as well as additional training in pediatrics.  "Special education teachers, physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, social workers and nurses are on staff to provide the full spectrum of support needed to help our children learn and grow to reach their fullest potential," said Kwasney.

P.G. Chambers School presented "An Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder" through the generosity of Summit Area Public Foundation and F.M. Kirby Foundation.  For more information about the Family Education Series or P.G. Chambers School, call 973-829-8484.

Sources:  Autism Society of America and National Institutes of Mental Health.

About P.G. Chambers School
Founded in 1954, P.G. Chambers School offers a wide range of learning and therapeutic programs designed to help children from birth to age 22 with learning, physical, speech-language and sensory disorders develop the skills they need to realize their unique talents and capabilities.  In fact, the stated mission of the School is "discovering the unique potential within every child."

P.G. Chambers School is funded by government and private grants, fees and tuition,and financial support from individual donors, foundations and corporations. The School has nonprofit, tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

For more information, contact P.G. Chambers School, 15 Halko Drive, Cedar Knolls, New Jersey 07927, or call 973-829-8484.