     Contact Us About Evaluations Programs Resources Events News & Media Support Us RESOURCES Navigating the complex world of autism services can be a challenge for many families, especially those new to the diagnosis. The Center for Autism makes every effort to be a resource to the community while continuing to deliver high quality autism services to people in the Philadelphia region. If you are an organization that supports families affected by autism and would like to be added to our resource guide, please send an email including name of organization, website, location and brief description by clicking the link below. EMAIL US What is Autism? Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a “spectrum disorder” that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. In March 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that prevalence of autism had risen to 1 in every 68 births in the United States and almost 1 in 42 boys. Researchers estimate that the lifetime cost of caring for a child with autism is $2.4 million, and that the United States is facing almost $90 billion annually in costs for autism. Autism is treatable and studies show that early diagnosis and intervention lead to significantly improved outcomes. Here are some signs to look for in the children in your life: Lack of or delay in spoken language Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects) Little or no eye contact Lack of interest in peer relationships Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play Persistent fixation on parts of objects There is no one cause for autism and no known cures. Autism can affect any child, regardless of race, ethnicity, lifestyle, education or income level. Early diagnosis and appropriate intervention are vital to successful treatment and set the foundation for future success. The information above was obtained from the Autism Society of America. For more information on the Autism Society of America, please visit www.autism-society.org or call 1.800.3AUTISM. The Center for Autism has an experienced team of clinicians that provide consultation & training services to people working with individuals with ASD in a variety of settings. From general information on autism, to a tailored training specific to your unique needs, the Center offers this service to individuals and organizations throughout the Philadelphia region. Click here for more information on our training services. Early Diagnosis Research indicates that better outcomes are possible when early diagnosis occurs. If given an early diagnosis, families can acquire the necessary intervention services for their child. At first glance, some persons with autism may appear to have mental retardation, a behavior disorder, problems with hearing or even odd and eccentric behavior. However, it is important to distinguish autism from other conditions, since an accurate diagnosis and early identification can provide the basis for building an appropriate and effective educational and treatment program. To learn more about the early signs of autism from First Signs, click here. At the Center for Autism we conduct a comprehensive autism evaluation. Through observation of the individual’s behaviors and the collection of developmental, medical and psychiatric histories from the family, our trained professionals are able to determine an individual’s diagnosis. To learn more about our evaluation services, click here. To speak to someone or to schedule an evaluation, please contact the Intake Department at 215-220-2121. Treatment Options Discovering that your child has Autism Spectrum Disorder can be an overwhelming experience. For some, the diagnosis may come as a complete surprise; others may have had suspicions and tried for months or years to get an accurate diagnosis. In either case, a diagnosis brings a multitude of questions about how to proceed. Autism Speaks can provide you with a general overview of a variety of available treatment approaches. Click here to learn more. To read about the treatment programs offered at the Center for Autism, click here. Resource List Virtual Parent Cafe 4/8/2021 April 8th “Finding Ways to Care for Me” - Protective Factors: Resilience and Social Connections ... read more Virtual Parent Cafe 4/13/2021 “The Chords of Parenting: Finding Your Rhythm – Protective Factors: Resilience and Concrete Supports ... read more VIEW ALL Glossary A C D E F G H I L M N O P S T A TERMS ABA: Applied Behavior Analysis ABC: Autism Behavior Checklist - a diagnostic tool ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act ADD: Attention Deficit Disorder ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADI: Autism Diagnostic Interview - a diagnostic tool developed in London by the Medical Research Council ADOS: Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale AIT: Auditory Integration Training AS: Asperger's Syndrome ASA: Autism Society of America ASD: Autism Spectrum Disorders ASL: American Sign Language TESTIMONIALS From Maggie, the parent of a child in the Pre-K Program... My son attends the Center for Autism and he loves it! Everyone is so fun and friendly there.  215.878.3400 info@cfa.phmc.org Headquarters 3905 Ford Road, Suite 6 Philadelphia, PA 19131-2844 Northeast Philadelphia 2801 Grant Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19114-1007 Other Links CAREERS PARENT PORTAL INFORMACIÓN EN ESPAÑOL PRIVACY POLICY Main Navigation HOME ABOUT EVALUATIONS PROGRAMS RESOURCES EVENTS NEWS & MEDIA SUPPORT US DONATIONS Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC), a nonprofit public health institute that creates and sustains healthier communities, acquired The Center for Autism on February 4, 2020. The Center for Autism is an equal opportunity employer & service provider. The organization is a licensed outpatient clinic under the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Sitemap. © 2021. Website Design & Web Development by AYC Media     