Autism Supports and Services

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability and children with ASD may communicate and interact in ways that are different from others. We do not yet understand all the causes of ASD, however, we have learned that there may be different factors that make a child more likely to have ASD, including genetic, biological, and environmental factors. 

ASD is called a "spectrum" disorder because children with ASD can have a range of strengths and challenges and need more or less support from those around them. The learning, thinking, and problem-solving abilities of children with ASD can range from gifted to severely challenged. Some children need a lot of assistance in their daily lives; others need less. Current treatments for ASD seek to reduce symptoms that interfere with daily functioning and quality of life. 

ASD affects each child differently and individualized services like early intervention, special education, and Speech and Language, Occupational, and Sensory integration, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapies can combine to help improve communication, health, daily functioning, and improve social and community engagement.

Pediatric Developmental Clinics

• Pediatric Neurodevelopment at Providence Children’s Hospital
• Child and Family Developmental Services at Southcentral Foundation
• Alaska’s Center for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at Ptarmigan Connections
• State of Alaska Neurodevelopmental Outreach Clinic

Family Supports

• Alaska Autism Resource Center
• Alaska Infant Learning Program
• Alaska Special Education
• Senior and Disability Services
• Help Me Grow
• Stone Soup Group