POINT PLEASANT — Has your child or a family member been diagnosed with autism?

Pleasant Valley Hospital is establishing a local Autism Awareness and Support Group to educate families and professionals on the signs, symptoms and techniques used with autistic diagnosis.

Monthly meetings will take place the fourth Wednesday of each month at 3 p.m. in the PVH Wellness & Rehab Center multipurpose room. The first meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 28 and is open to the public.

“Driven by their love and devotion to their children, families across the country have raised awareness and opened our eyes to the needs of so many children living with autism,” explained Debra Long, MS, CCC-SLP, director of Rehabilitation Services at PVH. “Currently, over 25,000 children are diagnosed with autism each year. Autism affects people from all racial, ethnic and social groups, though it is four times more likely to strike boys than girls.”

Autism impacts the normal development through areas of social interaction, sensory integration, communication skills and cognitive function. Although there is no cure for autism, the various symptoms related to autism can be greatly improved through early intervention and treatment. Regardless of the age of the learner with autism, the ultimate goal is to enable him or her to function as independently and successfully as possible in a variety of environments.

“Individuals with autism typically have delays with communication and social interaction skills,” said Heather Cundiff, MS, CCC-SLP, a certified speech pathologist. “Through the PVH Autism Awareness and Support Group, our goal is to give the families of children with autism a place to connect for support and resources, as well as provide speakers to educate us on current techniques and programs.”

The three main forms of ASD — known as Autism Spectrum Disorder — are autism, Aspergers Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD-NOS). Some sources also include Retts Syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative disorder.

“If your child is diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), early intervention is critical to gain maximum benefit from existing therapies. Although parents may have concerns about labeling a child as ‘autistic,’ the earlier the diagnosis is made, the earlier interventions can begin,” Long concluded.

The Pleasant Valley Hospital Autism Awareness and Support Group is dedicated to providing information and resources to improve the lives of children, young adults and adults affected by autism, as well as their loved ones.

For more information, call 304-674-2418 or 304-675-8639.