Dedicated to providing quality services to individuals with autism, pervasive developmental disorders or to children and adults with other developmental disabilities throughout New York and Long Island.
THE PEOPLE WE SERVE
Autism is a developmental disability that is typically identified during the first three years of life. The result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, autism is associated with behaviors has been estimated to occur in as many as 1 in 500 individuals. Autism is one of five "autism spectrum disorders" (ASD) described in the DSM-IV under the heading of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). The other disorders on the spectrum include Asperger's Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-not otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Rett's Syndrome, All PDD's overlap in that portion of their clinical features are shared, however, they are distinct disorders and are separately diagnosed. The symptoms and characteristics may present themselves in a wide variety of combinations, ranging from mild to severe. Although autism is defined by the presence of these behaviors, varying in degree of severity_ Therefore, two individuals with a diagnosis of autism may act very differently from one another Autism is more common in males than females. For those individuals diagnosed with autism, males are more likely to receive the diagnosis. It is conservatively estimated that 400,000 individuals in the United States are diagnosed with autism. Once thought to be a rare disorder, it is currently rated as the third most common developmental disability - more than Down's Syndrome, yet the majority of the public, including many professionals in the medical, educational and vocational fields remain unaware of how autism affects individuals and how to implement the most effective interventions to assist these individuals in leading productive and independent lives.
A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
I truly believe that creating services for people in need in our community is a worthy enterprise. We at Tender Care Human Services, look forward to providing high-quality services to children and adults who have no voice, who rely on the caring, nurturing, and learning atmosphere of TCHS. Our friends, supporters and families are key to our success. Your charitable contributions enable us to meet the many challenges that the individuals we serve face and provide us with the means necessary to improve, advance and expand as an organization. For that, we are forever grateful.
Yolanda Vitulli
Founder and CEO