Because several area families touched by autism have expressed an interest in connecting with others struggling with some of the same concerns, Lakes Region Community Services is sponsoring a Parent Support Group, which will hold its first meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Family Resource Center, 635 Main Street, Laconia.

"It's really a chance for families who want to reach out, meet, discuss their needs and plan what direction this group will take," said LRCS Family to Family Coordinator Lisa DiMartino.

Autism affects the development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. The disorder makes it difficult to communicate with others. Some early signs of autism include lack or delay in development of spoken language, making little or no eye contact, repetitive use of language and gestures and apparent lack of interest in peer relationships. For more information on autism visit www.firstsigns.org.

Jen Doris, who has been the agency's early supports and services team leader/educator for three years, meets with all families who have a child under 3 with a recent autism diagnosis to discuss what services they and their child need and how the agency can best help them. What Doris sees in her job day to day reflects the reported nationwide increase in the number of children with autism.

"Last year at this time we had three kids diagnosed with autism and this year we're at double that number and growing," she said.

The parents Doris communicates with are looking for feedback from others dealing with the same challenges about a host of issues including educational and medical interventions, a wide variety of therapies, planning for the future, advocating for their child, behavior, diet and more.

"What parents typically need is education around autism and one of the best ways to get that support is from others who are raising children with autism," said Doris. "We want to have the group be flexible and also build a network of support for these parents and caregivers."

Doris is one of four people in the state participating in a grant funded leadership program on autism spectrum disorder at University of New Hampshire. Diagnosing autism early and providing intensive services is very important to ensuring positive outcomes and helping develop important neurological connections. Because of this, the group has been reaching out to pediatricians to encourage them to use the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) developmental screening tool, so that children with autism can be diagnosed early and begin receiving services as soon as possible.

Children are welcome at the meeting. Child care will be available in the resource center's playroom. For more information about the group, call Lisa DiMartino at 524-1741, ext. 17 or send her an e-mail at lisad@lrcs.org.

This article was provided to the Citizen of Laconia by Lakes Region Community Services. LRCS is the state designated Agency responsible for supporting the needs of Lakes Region individuals and families living with developmental disabilities and/or acquired brain disorders. For more information on LRCS or to find out how you can support the Agency, log on to the new LRCS website at www.lrcs.org or contact Shannon Kelly at 524-8811, ext. 192.