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What is Asperger syndrome? Asperger or Asperger's syndrome (AS) is a developmental autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The discovery of Asperger Syndrome (AS) dates back to 1944. Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger described the syndrome when he was treating four boys with similar symptoms. His writings remained relatively unknown until 1981 [...]
Recognizing Autism Spectrum Symptoms, Signs and Characteristics Individuals on the autism spectrum will have symptoms from a very young age, beginning before the age of three. Some autistic children show hints of future challenges within the first few months of life. In others, symptoms may not appear until 24 [...]
Autism Empowerment wants visitors to be able to access reference information, resources, and support through our website, through our programs, and support services. Having knowledge is empowering. We created this page to connect you with other not-for-profit organizations throughout the United States and worldwide that are also dedicated to providing [...]
Autism Facts Quick Start New visitor? Please check out "Understanding Autism, A Few Quick Notes." This Autism Quick-Start section is meant to provide a quick introduction to basic autism facts written in conversational language. Autism is a Developmental Disability Autism is considered a developmental disability and neurological [...]
Karen Krejcha Bio Karen serves as Executive Director and Co-Founder of Autism Empowerment and also as the Board President. She is Editor of Spectrum Life Magazine and the host of the Autism Empowerment Podcast. Karen considers Autism Empowerment her calling and passion. She [...]
What are Pervasive Developmental Disorders / PDD / PDD-NOS? The diagnostic category of pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) refers to a group of disorders characterized by delays in the development of socialization and communication skills. Parents may note symptoms as early as infancy, although the typical age of onset is [...]
Understanding Autism The amount of information available online about autism is often overwhelming to sift and filter through. We aim to provide support with that process by curating content that is enriching, empowering, inspiring, engaging and meaningful. At Autism Empowerment, one of our key goals is to provide meaningful [...]
Community Collaborations Autism Empowerment is physically based in Vancouver, Washington. We are considered part of Southwest Washington although we are also very close to the Oregon border and interact frequently with the Portland, OR metro community. We believe it is important to be actively involved in our community. Community [...]
Getting an Autism Spectrum Diagnosis / The Diagnostic Process Autism varies widely in severity and as it is a spectrum disorder, it will present differently from one person to another and from male to female. Signs and symptoms may go unrecognized, especially if they initially appear as mild or [...]
Acronym and Initialism Directory An acronym is an abbreviation formed from the initial letters of other words and pronounced as a word. An initialism is an abbreviation consisting of initial letters pronounced separately (e.g., DDA or IEP) Alphabet soup is often used as a metaphor for an abundance of [...]
In Language You Can Understand Autism is a spectrum disorder and neurological difference that includes a broad range of symptoms. For purposes of this page, we're using "autism" to represent all autism spectrum disorder / differences including Autism, Asperger Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD/NOS). With autism, [...]
🌸 Resources for Women and Girls on the Autism Spectrum To all women and girls on the autism spectrum—know this: You are not alone. Even when it feels that way, we’re here to provide information, support, and a welcoming community that sees and values you. At Autism Empowerment and through [...]
Coexisting Conditions Individuals affected by autism are at an increased risk of experiencing additional cognitive, emotional, or behavioral disorders. It is very common for individuals on the autism spectrum to be dealing with other challenges and coexisting conditions. Sometimes these co-existing conditions are noticed and diagnosed before the diagnosis [...]
Opportunities to Support through Shopping Thank you so much for considering a donation to Autism Empowerment. Your support helps us to achieve our mission of enriching and empowering the lives of youth, adults and families in the Autism and Asperger communities locally, nationally and worldwide. The revenue generated by Autism Empowerment [...]
Past Autism Empowerment Outreach Events Outreach events and activities that we participate in give youth, adults and families impacted by Autism and Asperger's to have an opportunity to connect with Autism Empowerment and to meet other members of the autism and autistic community. There are many opportunities throughout each [...]
Autism Serves Volunteerism Program Autism Empowerment introduces a positive and proactive program for our community and for our world. Our Autism Serves volunteerism program also known as Autism Serves Across the Lifespan was founded on the guiding belief that children and adults each have unique strengths, talents and gifts. Some [...]
What is Rett syndrome Rett syndrome is a postnatal neurodevelopmental disorder that affects girls almost exclusively and is first noticed in infancy. It is characterized by normal early growth and development followed by a slowing of development, loss of purposeful use of the hands, distinctive hand movements, slowed brain [...]
Welcome to the Autism Empowerment Blog This section of our website is where you can find current and past blog postings from Autism Empowerment volunteers, staff and guest bloggers. Blog topics range from educational to inspirational, from current events to self-advocacy editorials. We are looking to enrich and empower [...]
How is Autism Treated? It is important to remember first that autism is on a spectrum. As such, there is no one size-fits-all autism treatment, therapy, intervention or coping strategy. There are many therapies for autism and as you do your research you will see that there is also [...]