For 40 years, KenCrest serves over 300 children, family, youth and adults with Autism each year. The Centers for Disease Control estimate that 1 in 150 children are diagnosed with Autism. As the number of individuals being identified with Autism increases, so the doors of KenCrest’s programs are opening wider to help them.

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). These are complex neurological disorders that affect individuals in the areas of social interaction, communication, and sensory processing. Differing in nature, age of onset, and severity of symptoms, the Autism Spectrum includes Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, Rett’s Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder. ASD is usually evident by age 3. Boys are four times more likely to have ASD than girls. No single behavior is always typical or present in every individual. KenCrest serves all levels and types of disorders on the Autism Spectrum

Asperger’s Syndrome. This applies to the mildest and highest functioning end of the Autism Spectrum. Asperger’s involves problems in social interaction and restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities. There is no significant general delay in language, cognitive development, self-help skills, adaptive behavior, or curiosity.

KenCrest offers a wide variety of autism related services:

• Inclusive Preschool              learning side-by-side with typically developing children
  
• In-Home Services                 child and family support using the ISP Model
  
• Communication Training    child and family support using the Hanen approach
  
• Socialization Training          emphasis on building relationships using real life                                                  experiences
  
• Compensatory Education   services for families with educational trusts
  
• After-School Services           transition services from school to the community