Yampa Valley Autism Program Mission Statement
The Yampa Valley Autism Program will assist and support individuals with autism spectrum disorders and related disabilities to reach their potential. The program will strive to maximize the quality of life for individuals and their families through the provision of family support services, vital training of qualified personnel, updated educational resources, public awareness of the autism epidemic, and advocacy support.
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Autism is a neurological development disorder that affects three main areas of the brain:
- Social Interaction
- Communication
- Sensory
Cognitive and intellectual abilities can vary from mentally disabled to above average intelligence and savant. Those with autism are neither all gifted nor all mentally impaired.
Autism - Social/Communication Red Flags
If your baby shows any of these signs, please ask your pediatrician or family practitioner for an immediate evaluation:
- No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six moths or thereafter
- No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or
other facial expressions by nine months or thereafter
- No babbling by 12 months
- No back-and-forth gestures, such as pointing,
reaching, or waving by 12 months
- No words by 16 months
- No two-word meaningful phrases (without imitating
or repeating) by 24 months
- Any loss of speech or babbling or social skills at any age
Asperger Syndrome
- Difficulty making friends
- Difficulty with non-verbal social cues, such as facial expressions
- No understanding that others may have thoughts or feelings different from his or her own
- Obsessive focus on a narrow subject
- Awkward motor skills
- Inflexibility about routines
- Unusual patterns of speech
Colorado Facts
Colorado has the highest out of pocket costs for treatment of autism in the nation. Colorado ranks 48th in the nation in funding for treatment. Colorado ranks 50th in funding for special education, and this state ranks 49th in providing real jobs in our local communities for adults with autism. Clearly changes need to be made nationwide, but ESPECIALLY here in Colorado.
Nationwide Facts
A new case of autism is diagnosed nearly every 20 minutes. Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases. There is no medical detection, treatment, or cure for autism. 1 in 150 children are diagnosed with autism.
How can you help? Please write to your congressman and senators asking them for their support.
Need Help? Have Questions?
The Yampa Valley Autism Program is a non-profit resource agency. At our location at 1920 Pine Grove Road we have a small library of books and software available for checkout. We hold parent support groups once a month, and there are family support fund applications that can be picked up at our office. We are currently working on various programs for the summer and after school.
For more information please contact:
Yampa Valley Autism
P.O. Box 771824
Steamboat Springs, CO 80477
phone: 970-870-4263
fax: 970-879-9068
jmarxuach@hotmail.com
Donations can be sent to:
Yampa Valley Autism
c/o Yampa Valley Community Foundation
P.O. Box 881869
Steamboat Springs, CO 80488
If you would like to give donations on-line please click on the link below.
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