Autism Society of McLean County

COMMUNICATION	There is a significant delay in, total lack of speech development, or loss of speech that was once present. An individual with autism may have difficulties in initiating or engaging in conversations. Some will use language in a repetitive manner, e.g., scripting lines learned from others, video's, television, etc., echoing back that exact word or phrase used, or want to talk about a "high interest" topic over and over again.
SOCIAL INTERACTION	An individual on the autism spectrum may not use or understand non-verbal communication; many times they will have difficulty developing peer relationships that are appropriate for his or her age. There is often a noticeable lack of emotional engagement and or empathy toward others. Individuals with autism may appear aloof and indifferent to others.
BEHAVIOR AND INTERESTS	Restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities are a trademark of individuals on the spectrum. An individual may have an intense fixation on certain subjects or objects. Many individuals will have difficulty transitioning from one activity to another, preferring instead to engage in rituals or routines. In children, there is a lack of pretend skills and role model play (like Mom, like Dad). Repetitive movements, such as hand flapping, toe walking or spinning of objects, may also be present.

"Learn the Signs - Act Early"
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

What are some of the signs of ASDs?
People with ASDs may have problems with social, emotional, and communication skills. They might repeat certain behaviors and might not want change in their daily activities. Many people with ASDs also have different ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to things. ASDs begin during early childhood and last throughout a person's life.

What can I do if I think my child has an ASD?
Talk with your child’s doctor or nurse. If you or your doctor thinks there could be a problem, ask for a referral to see a developmental pediatrician or other specialist, or you can contact your local early intervention agency (for children under 3) or public school (for children 3 and older).

A Child or Adult with an ASD Might:

	not play "pretend" games (pretend to "feed" a doll).
	not point at objects to show interest (point at an airplane flying over).
	not look at objects when another person points at them.
	have trouble relating to others or not have an interest in other people at all.
	avoid eye contact and want to be alone.
	have trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings.
	prefer not to be held or cuddled or might cuddle only when they want to.
	appear to be unaware when other people talk to them but respond to other sounds.
	be very interested in people, but not know how to talk, play, or relate to them.
	repeat or echo words or phrases said to them, or repeat words or phrases in place of normal language (echolalia).
	have trouble expressing their needs using typical words or motions.
	repeat actions over and over again.
	have trouble adapting when a routine changes.
	have unusual reactions to the way things smell, taste, look, feel, or sound.
	lose skills they once had (for instance, stop saying words they were using).

Where Can I Take My Child for an Evaluation?

The Autism Program
-University of Chicago
Developmental Disorders Clinic
Department of Psychiatry
5841 S. Maryland Ave., MC 3077
Chicago, IL 60637
Phone: (773) 834-3864
Fax: (773) 834-2742

The Developmental Disorders Clinic (DDC) offers comprehensive, multidisciplinary evaluations by a clinical psychologist and a child psychiatrist, with a particular emphasis on diagnosis and consultation. The DDC also provides treatment and consultation in behavior management and educational programming for children and adults with autism and other pervasive developmental disorders.

The Autism Program
SIU School of Medicine – Springfield
Division of Developmental Disabilities
Illinois Dept of Human Services
319 E. Madison, Ste 2A
Springfield, Illinois 62701

Theodore R. Sunder, MD, Clinical Director
Phone: 217.782.9449 (voice)
Fax: 217.782.0012 (fax)

Department of Pediatrics
301 N. 8th Street
PO Box 19658
Springfield, Illinois 62794-9658

Jerie Beth Karkos, M.D., F.A.A.P.
(Neurology)(Autism Not Specialty)
Clinic Phone: (217) 545-0702

Clinics:
Dr. Karkos sees children in a multidisciplinary clinic setting in a collaborative effort between SIU School of Medicine and St. John's Hospital to evaluate, provide rehabilitation/orthopedic monitoring and coordinate health care delivery for children with congenital or acquired neurologic or neuromuscular disorders.

The Autism Program

Southern Illinois University–Carbondale
Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders
Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, Illinois 62901

Anthony J. Cuvo, Ph.D.
Director, CASD Rehabilitation Institute
Phone: (618) 536-7704
Fax: (618) 453-8271
www.siu.edu/~rehabbat/Autism/

Carle Clinic
602 West University Avenue
Urbana, Illinois 61801

Charles T. Morton,
Developmental Pediatrician
Phone: (217)383-3100
Fax: (217) 383-4468
www.carle.com

The Carle pediatric team provides a multidisciplinary evaluation
Dr. Morton also sees patients in Bloomington/Normal on Friday’s

Twin City Behavioral Health at BroMenn
Jolie Hoffmann, Psy.D.
403 W Virginia Ave
Normal, Illinois 61761
Phone: (309) 268-2910
Fax: (309) 268-2913

Easter-Seals – Peoria Center
507 East Armstrong Avenue
Peoria, Illinois 61603
Phone: (309) 686-1177
Fax: (309) 686-7722

Assessments and evaluations include psychological/psycho-educational evaluations, adult ADD, ADHD academic evaluations, psychological evaluations, audiological evaluations, auditory processing evaluations, and speech/language, occupational therapy, and physical therapy evaluations.

Contact: The Autism Society of McLean County from the “About Us” page

In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has links to information for families on their Autism Information Center Web page (www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dd/aic/resources).
1-800-CDC-INFO