APRIL 2019 • LONGISLANDPRESS.COM 33
SOLVING THE PUZZLE
By MICHELLE GABRIELLE CENTAMORE
One in 68 children has been diagnosed with autism, according to the U.S. Centers
for Disease Control’s data for 2012, the last year for which figures are available.
No parent wants to hear that something may not be right with their child, that
the child may not ever speak or could forever be challenged with interacting
appropriately with their peers. No parent wants their child to be singled out as
“different.” Facing an autism diagnosis is not easy. But there is help, treatment
and support. And with those things come hope and opportunities for success.
Experts offer these suggestions on how to face a diagnosis of autism spectrum
disorder:
PRESS HEALTH
37CRISIS 39
THE OPIOID TAKE 5
The earlier a child receives services the more effective those services are, experts say.
continued on page 38
SUPPORT IS KEY FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN FACING AN AUTISM DIAGNOSIS
WHAT’S INSIDE
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