Disorder affects thousands of kids and their families in northeast Ohio

CLEVELAND - If you are a parent of a child of autism, you know it takes love and patience.

Autism can range from a mild form to more significant, and if the disorder is subtle, the individual can learn to go to work, or attend classes in school. For the more severe cases, the person may have a more difficult time assimilating into social situations.

The medical community does not know what causes autism, and there is no known cure. If your child is diagnosed with autism at an early age, intervention is the key to get started on a path to a quality life.

The Milestones Autism Organization was formed in 2003 by Ilana Hoffer Skoff, who is a parent of a child with autism that had a hard time finding help. Skoff her and a friend started the non-profit group, and their focus is to provide education, training,  vocational and housing needs.

Roughly one in every 100 people are diagnosed with autism annually, including 45,000 in Ohio alone.

If you are looking for some guidance and information to help you in this disorder, please visit Milestone Autism Organization at milestones.org/