Autism Affects 1 out of 150 Children

March 4, 2008

By: KXMBTV Bismarck

It's a disorder that affects one out of every 150 children

Children with Autism have a wide variety of needs

And Kelli Ellenbauma speech language pathologist, who is autism certifiedsays a student with autism will typically get speech therapy in the school setting five times a week

They will also get physical, occupational, and supplemental therapies two to three times a week, depending on the severity. Ellenbaum says children with autism need help with developing social skills.

(Kelli Ellenbaum, Speech Language Pathologist) "Alot of times they have a hard time with regulating their own emotions. they are poor at reading social cues, facial expressions, body gestures. They have a hard time with things we call idioms, figurative language. They are just very literal."

Ellenbaum says parents should be aware of the red flags. She recommends that children be screened at 18 months and 2 years for autism

She says early intervention can lessen the signs greatly and lessen the amount of problems from the disorder in the future.

Source: Reiten Television KXMB Bismarck