Autism Speaks Encourages Early Diagnosis

The head of operations for the Goldbergs Group, the oldest deli chain in Atlanta, Georgia, Stanley Fur seeks to expand across the nation. Alongside his restaurant leadership in Atlanta, Stanley Fur contributes to charitable organizations such as Autism Speaks.

Dedicated to providing advocacy and support services for those with autism spectrum disorders, Autism Speaks continues to head research for better treatments while also offering educational information and hosting events to raise awareness. In seeking to better educate the public, the organization hopes to encourage diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders at an earlier age to help prevent negative outcomes.

Those with an autism spectrum disorder often present signs of developmental delay. As early as six to nine months of age, babies may exhibit symptoms such as a lack of facial expressions and sounds. Those about a year old may not demonstrate typical gestures such as waving and pointing. By two years of age, they may not speak or be able to communicate with self-generated phrases even of two words. Parents or caregivers who see any of these symptoms in a child, or notice a sudden loss of social skills or speech at any age, may want to consider taking the child to a doctor for diagnosis.