Most often the parents are the first step in the diagnosing of a problem. Normally a parent will notice differences in their child in comparison to other children in the same age range. Most often it is the child’s failure to reach certain developmental milestones. The first doctor contacted is the family’s general practitioner. This could work in favor of or against an early diagnosis. One common reaction of the family doctor is to downplay the child’s problems by citing the variability of childhood development. Once it is agreed that there is a problem the doctor will often send the child to specialists for further consultations. The primary diagnosticians of autism are Psychologists and/or Neurologists (Gray 16).

mall). Unfortunately many children exhibit a number of these traits, which would explain why the signs of autism could be overlooked.

The first of these programs is Early Intervention. This program is for children up to the age of three. Currently there are two “age out” dates, August 31 or December 31, whichever date the child has reached his/her third birthday. On that date the child no longer qualifies for this program. With this bi-annual “age out” process the child may qualify for four to seven month’s additional therapy, depending on their date of birth. Professionals in the field note one major problem with this process. The children are only evaluated once during this period, that being on their last day of receiving services, this can leave some children in the program that no longer require the specific treatments. Because of the high cost accrued and period of time each child spends in the program the overall cost to the DOH can be excessive. In fact, for approximately two and a half years of home-based services, including three disciplines, two times per week, the cost on average is $94,000 per child. For this reason congress is currently trying to pass a bill that will make two changes to the program. The first of these changes is families will be charged a co-pay per visit and second, children will “age out” on their third birthday instead of at either of the two dates previously noted (Montano).

The estimated numbers of children that have autism vary. However, it is agreed amongst many professionals that between two and six in one thousand individuals have the disorder. Approximately three hundred sixty thousand (360,000) cases in the United States alone, making it one of the most common developmental disorders. In recent studies the numbers show an annual increase of 26%. Dr. Rimland, an expert in the study of autism, believes that these increases are due to increased use of antibiotics, reactions to childhood inoculations and pollutants in the environment. Another factor is increased awareness and better diagnostic criteria (Hamilton 47).

Structure is imperative to an autistic child, therefore it will be necessary to find a schedule that works best and stick with it. Activities within a controlled and structured environment are important, but how the child behaves outside those walls should be thought of as well. Involving the child in activities within the community and with peers is imperative. Going to parks and certain restaurants will help to teach how to play with

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