Healthcare Directory

2018 Medical & Dental Directory | 9 Sinus pain, congestion or pressure? Call us, we can help. For an appointment, call (910) 615-3060. Cape Fear Valley Ear, Nose and Throat provides state-of-the-art medical and surgical solutions for most head and neck problems. We treat children and adults and offer allergy testing and shots. 1565 Purdue Drive | Suite 301 Fayetteville, NC | 910 615-3060 Allergies? AUTISM 203 Rowan St., Fayetteville • 910.323.1335 • shine-light.org Believe. Brighten. Behold. Services and Support for People with Autism Nikki Giovanni Creecy Autism Facts AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. There is often nothing about how people with ASD look that sets them apart from others but people with ASD may communicate, interact, behave and learn in ways that are different from most other people. The learning, thinking and problem-solving abilities of people with ASD can range from gifted to severely challenged. Some people with ASD need a lot of help in their daily lives; others need less. People with ASD often 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 ASD also have different ways of learning, paying attention or reacting to things. Signs of ASD begin during early childhood and typically last throughout a person's life. Diagnosing ASD can be difficult since there is no medical test, like a blood test, to diagnose the disorder. Doctors look at the child's behavior and development to make a diagnosis. ASD can sometimes be detected at 18 months or younger. By age 2, a diagnosis by an experienced professional can be considered very reliable. But many children do not receive a final diagnosis until much older. This delay means that children with ASD might not get the early help they need. There is currently no cure for ASD. But research shows that early intervention treatment services can improve a child's development. Talk to your child's doctor as soon as possible if you think your child has ASD or another developmental problem. n Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control AUTISM Shine Light 203 Rowan St Fayetteville, NC 28301 (910) 323.1335 Nikki Giovanni Creecy

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