Autism is a neurologically-based developmental disability that appears within a child’s first three years of life.  The primary symptoms of Autism include extreme deviation from normal child development including disturbances in communication, failure to develop normal social skills and abnormal responses to sensory stimulation and to objects and events.   

Autism is a spectrum disorder that results in individuals presenting with a wide range of abilities and disabilities.  While children with Autism fall along a continuum of severity, most of the children placed in Ascent’s program are among the most severely impaired.  They exhibit limited or no eye contact and appear aloof, disinterested in other children and are profoundly withdrawn.  They are unable to communicate or relate with others or to process vital information from the world around them.   Many do not speak or are echolalic (repeating words/phrases spoken by others).   Some have expressive language, but have problems with intonation, pacing, volume and/or articulation so that what they say may not be understandable to others.   They may be unable to communicate even their most basic needs.  Expressions of hunger, pain, fear or affection may be out of reach.  While many have normal vision or hearing, they do not understand what they see or comprehend what they hear, rendering them isolated and alone, unable to learn, or improve their condition without highly specialized instruction.  

Children with Autism may exhibit ritualistic mannerisms and severe behavior problems (e.g., self-injury, property destruction and aggression).  These challenging behaviors may significantly disrupt the acquisition of new skills. Taken together, the inability to self-direct and the propensity to engage in disruptive behavior necessitates constant supervision from their parents while at home.