The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, 2nd edition (VABS-II) is designed to help assess an individual\’s coping capabilities with regard to five main domains that are essential in daily living. It aids in diagnosing autism and other mental disorders such as mental retardation.

Yes, there are many organizations and groups that offer support services for family members of children with autism. Parents can soon realize that they are not alone, and it can also take the fear and initiate growth in the days of an autism diagnosis.

Yes, and there are some extreme cases on what some parents did or thought of doing in the days leading up to or following a diagnosis of autism. It is important for a family to stay strong, and not to think of this as an end, but as more of a beginning.

A parent should know they are not alone, and that parents are getting new diagnoses everyday as the condition seems to increase on a global basis.

Only a professional certified in autism behavior can determine/diagnose if your child has autism. to free you of any worry it is best to consult your child\’s pediatrician.

If you are observing suspected signs of Autism it is strongly advised to have your child checked by his/her pediatrician, who in turn can refer your child to a specialist. There are specialists such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and child psychiatrists that have been formally trained to evaluate your child if autism is suspected.