Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation

Last Update: April 2009

Our Mission Statement:

“The goal of the Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation (ASDF) is to support children
with an autism spectrum disorder by providing education, information and
financial assistance to their families and relevant community service organizations.

Funds donated to ASDF will be used to address any and all kinds of issues in assisting children with Autism and their families."

Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation is recognized as tax-exempt under section 501 (c) (3) of the internal Revenue Code. Your donation is TAX DEDUCTIBLE.

About Autism Spectrum:

Autism directly affects 1 in 150 children and their families. More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined. Autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder in the United States. Approximately 75 percent to 86 percent of those children who receive early intervention services between the ages of 2 and 7 will develop some form of functional communication by age 9. The outlook for children who do not receive early intervention is significantly more grim. Currently, the average age of diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is between the ages of 3 and 6, even though an ASD can be reliably diagnosed by 18 months if suspected. Imagine for a moment, the tremendous number of children who could be rescued from the majority of the disabling aspects of a late-diagnosed and thus late-treated ASD if more children were identified earlier. Read our FAQ's about Autism.

The Center for Disease Control:

“We know that many children with developmental delays are not being identified early. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that 17% of children have a developmental or behavioral disability such as autism, yet less than half of the children are identified before entering school. This delay causes children to miss important intervention opportunities.”

Visit the "Learn the Signs. Act Early." web site for information about childhood developmental milestones and delays. You'll be able to track the developmental milestones your child should be reaching, see how milestones change as your child grows, and download fact sheets on developmental milestones for children from 3 months to 5 years, along with information on developmental screening and developmental disabilities.

Our Goals:

One: ASDF provides those individuals and agencies who work with infants, toddlers, and preschool children with Early Detection Kits , at no charge, to identify children at-risk for an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and to assist in empowering their families to get a diagnosis followed by early intervention as soon as possible. It is our desire to reach these first-responders include daycare providers, pediatricians, and early childhood educators. We provide these early responders with an autism emergency response kit that will include risk assessment tools, educational video, an appropriate format with which to approach the subject with parents and caregivers.

When you look at the statistics that report autism rates to be 3 to 4 times higher than 30 years ago, we must conclude a national, if not international epidemic is at hand. It will be many years before we identify all the causes of autism and we may never be able to reverse the condition; we can, however, work to identify autism as early as possible so we can begin effective intervention so those affected can develop the skills necessary to lead full and productive lives.

Two: Providing families affected by autism with financial assistance. ASDF's Giving Tree offers financial assistance which varies for each individual families specific need. Click here to learn more about ASDF Giving Tree.

	Three: Our Camp Scholarships allow autistic children the opportunity to explore new horizons. Social skills camps are important in the continued healthy growth of children affected by autism. Click here to learn more about Camp Scholarships.

	ASDF is proud to partner with Goodwill Industries. Goodwill Industries will help ASDF disseminate key information about early warning signs, the need for routine screenings, and the treatment options that are currently available. Check back periodically for new and current information. For more information from Goodwill, contact Virginia Padella.
	Home About Autism Autism FAQ's \| Detecting Autism \| Autism Screening Tools Effective Intervention Programs (Autism) \| Resources by State (Autism) \| M-CHAT/M-CHAT Scoring Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist Asperger's Syndrome/PDD-NOS FAQ's Asperger's Screening Tools \| Australian Asperger's Scale \| PDD Assessment Scale Childhood Asperger Syndrome Test (CAST) \| Resources by State (Asperger's) Podcast/PSAs/Detection Video \| RSS Feeds ASD Articles \| Books on Autism \| Financial Information \| DisabilityInfo.gov Information for Emergency Personnel ASDF's Giving Tree \| Camp Scholarships \| Donate Today \| Contact US Disclaimer: While the Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation (ASDF) has attempted to make the information on our web site as accurate as possible, the information is provided in good faith without any express or implied warranty. The purpose of our web site is to provide information to families with children, teens, and adults with an autism spectrum disorder. The Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation does not prefer any one organization to another, and it is not responsible for the information listed on an organization's web site, or any disseminated information either verbal or written. Please be advised we are not giving medical advice and that circumstances can dictate different treatments. If these issues affect you or your loved ones seek professional advice. This site is operated for informational purposes only. We hope that you find our resources useful. © Copyright 2007 Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation Powered by Page Turner Creations, LLC