Asperger’s Syndrome and Local Support in East Los Angeles.

ASD is becoming increasingly common in children in LA and across America, but it differs from other types of autism.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome?
Children with Asperger’s often have:

• Limited interests
• Trouble socializing
• Distinctive strengths
• A preference for routine and sameness
• Difficulty in understanding emotions
• Unusual speech patterns

They also have some strengths, including:

• A great ability to recognize patterns
• Incredible persistence and focus
• Excellent attention to detail

Yet, they face challenges too, such as:

• Hypersensitive to sounds, sights, tastes, and other stimulations
• Clumsiness
• Trouble conversing and with non-verbal conversation skills
• Depression
• Anxiety

Doctors still don’t know the exact cause of Asperger’s Syndrome, but brain abnormalities and genetics may play a role in developing this condition.

Managing Asperger’s Syndrome
Doctors and researchers have learned a lot about Asperger’s since it was first classified in 1944. Today, there are many resources available to families to help manage the condition, including:

• Speech therapy to help with voice control.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy to help with anxiety and other challenges.
• Psychoactive medication to manage depression, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• Social skills training classes to help kids understand social cues and conversational skills.
• Physical and occupational therapy to improve coordination.

Local Resources
Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center (ELARC)
ELARC has an on-site Autism Specialist to support families and connect them with helpful resources. View the Autism Specialist brochure in Spanish and English.

The East Los Angeles Family Resource Center
The East LA Family Resource Center provides support, education, information, training, and resources to families with Asperger’s syndrome.

Autism Society of Los Angeles
The Autism Society of Los Angeles provides support, education, and resources to families in LA. They can support your child get the medical, mental, vocational, and educational services necessary to manage ASD, including skill development for adulthood.

FACT
If your child has been diagnosed with Asperger’s, FACT can assist with treatment. FACT was created more than 20 years ago at UCLA for families with ASD. They offer a variety of therapies and programs, including:

• Social skills groups
• In-home behavioral and parent training
• Transition programs

Autism Society
For more than 50 years, the Autism Society has been helping families with ASD by providing trusted, reliable information about autism. They have a national helpline, and their goal is to improve the lives of those diagnosed with ASD.

AFIRM
AFIRM Modules help plan, implement, and monitor education-based practices (EBP) for children with ASD from birth through age 22.

Captain Cadre
CAPTAIN is an agency that helps with the support and understanding of EBPs for children and adults with ASD in California.

Interacting with Autism
A video-based resource that helps families understand, treat, and manage ASD. The information provided by the organization is available in English and Spanish. They also connect families with state agencies in California that help with ASD.

You can also find more trusted local services in your community at www.boyleheighstresources.org or download the Boyle Heights Resources app.