Welcome to the Early Autism Awareness site. This site is designed to help parents and early childcare providers with relevant information related to autism.
Parents: Learn about the signs to watch for in your child which would trigger a discussion with your health care provider. If your child is on the autism spectrum, learn about resources which can help provide the intervention your child needs.
Childcare providers: Learn how to communicate with parents when you have a child you think shows signs of autism as well as find resources you can provide to a parent who has a child on the autism spectrum.
Research Highlights:
Elemental Dynamics in Hair Accurately Predict Future Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis: An International Multi-Center Study
Journal of Clinical Medicine, December 1, 2022
We developed non-invasive ASD biomarkers using mass spectrometry analyses of elemental metabolism in single hair strands, coupled with machine learning. Findings emphasize that the dynamics in elemental metabolism are systemically dysregulated in autism, and these signatures can be detected and leveraged in hair samples to predict the emergence of ASD as early as 1 month of age. Click here for more information.
Perceptions on Screening for Developmental Disabilities and Autism in Childcare Settings
Infants and Young Children. April/June 2022 – Volume 35 – Issue 2 – p 133-149
This qualitative study explored the knowledge and perceptions about early screening for developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in childcare settings using semi structured interviews with directors, teachers, and parents at 12 childcare centers. Results indicated that most of the directors and teachers, who were interviewed, were cautiously open to implementing screening programs but wanted additional training in recognizing early signs of ASD and other developmental disabilities, as well as communicating with families about concerns. All interviewed parents reported wanting childcare professionals to communicate with them if they had developmental concerns for their child, and all but one parent was open to the idea of universal screening at their child’s center. Click here for article.
Early and Repeated Screening Detects Autism Spectrum Disorder
Journal of Pediatrics. March 2021
Screening as early as 12 months effectively identifies many children at risk for ASD. Children screened at 12 months receive a diagnosis of ASD significantly earlier than peers who are first screened at later ages, facilitating earlier intervention. However, as the sensitivity is lower for a single screen, screening needs to be repeated. Click here for article.
Apps for people with autism: Assessment, classification and ranking of the best
Technology in Society: February 2021
The utilization of apps in mobile devices offers autism professionals a complementary medium with which to strengthen deficient skills. Through a system of previously validated indicators, we have thoroughly assessed 155 apps that are available on the Play Store. To select the apps aimed at people with autism, we used the search term “autism” in English and in Spanish. The chosen apps were then assessed and given a score for their design, content and pedagogic dimension. The assessment concluded by establishing a ranking of the apps. Only 14 apps obtained scores notably higher than the rest. Click here for the article.
Locator Device Grant – History and Information
In 2005 Georgia Rackley came to the Autism Society Greater Harrisburg Area with a dream. Like all of us in the Autism Community, she was still trying to come to terms with the recent tragic death of Logan Mitcheltree, a 9 year old with autism who wandered away from home on a cold winter evening. Searchers were not able to find him until it was too late. Georgia wanted to raise awareness not only about Autism but about this potentially deadly aspect. That was the birth of Logan’s 5KRun and Walk for Autism Awareness.
Over the years this event has grown. Not only does it continue to raise awareness, but it has served as a major fundraiser, allowing the ASGHA to provide our local autism community with many opportunities and services.
ASGHA is delighted to announce that we can now do more than just raise awareness about the dangers of elopement. Through our new Locator Device Grant, we are able to provide families with financial support in obtaining a device that will track a wandering child. Applicants must reside in one of the counties served by ASGHA (Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Mifflin, Northumberland, Perry, Snyder, Union, and York) and have medical proof of elopement risk due to an ASD. For more information or questions regarding this grant opportunity, please contact locatordevices@autismharrisburg.com