Shop
Shop AFN Swag
Nominate An Autism Hero!
Mission Statement
Autism Family Network Santa Cruz is dedicated and committed to Bridging the Gap within our communities for those individuals on the Autism Spectrum and those with Special Needs by providing education, resources, special events, public awareness and acceptance for all.
We strive to assist our community for the supporting of Autism Awareness, Acceptance and Activities while empowering individuals to embrace our differences and motivate inclusiveness for all.
What is Autism?
Autism is a developmental disability. Children with autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder or ASD, have social, communication and language problems. They also have restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities, such as flipping objects, echolalia, or excessive smelling or touching of objects. Autism may be mild or severe. All children with autism don’t have the exact same problems. Children with autism may have the following social and communication skills and common behaviors.
Social Skills
Your child may have problems using social skills to connect with other people. He may seem to be in his own world. It may be hard for him or her to:
- Share a common focus with another person about the same object or event-known as joint attention
- Play with others and share toys
- Understand feelings
- Make and keep friends
