Autism awareness: Best cities to find services
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by Aimee Keenan-Greene
Autism Speaks just released the results of their first online community survey on livability issues in the US.
Also scoring high marks, Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Chicago, Philadelphia, Northern New Jersey, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Seattle,and Cleveland among most-cited areas for best availability of services and resources.
Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 110 children in the United States, affecting four times as many boys as girls. The prevalence of autism increased 57 percent from 2002 to 2006.
Research now suggests children as young as 1 year old can show signs of autism, according to Autism Speaks.
The Centers for Disease Control and prevention says 1 in 110 children has autism.
For those who responded positively in the survey that they are generally happy with the availability of services and resources where they live, many cited satisfaction with the educational services their child receives, proximity to outside services, flexible employer policies, access to clinical/medical care and recreational opportunities as key attributes.
Of those who completed the survey, 74 percent (628) of the respondents were generally unhappy with the availability of services and resources for their loved one with autism; 26 percent (220) were generally happy.
“These survey results confirm what we hear every day from families – that they are struggling to get their children services that are essential to their development and well-being,” said Bob Wright, co-founder of Autism Speaks.
Of those satisfied:
23% had to regularly travel an hour or more to access services or resources;
55% said their employer offers family-friendly policies that make it possible to be involved in their loved one's care and education;
69% were satisfied with their ability to access appropriate recreational activities
83% were satisfied with their access to clinical/medical care
95% said they were pleased with the education and related services their child has been offered
Among the states faring worst in the survey, in terms of the percentage of negative responses from that state, were Texas, Virginia, Tennessee, Ohio, Florida, Michigan and California.
Those who were unhappy about their community's resources reported:
67% regularly travelled an hour or more to access services or resources
17% were satisfied with their ability to access appropriate recreational activities
90% said they lacked access to respite services
“Our goal in conducting this survey is to encourage conversations within the autism community, and to inform policy makers and leaders in local communities about the tremendous need for increased services and inspire action. Overall, the needs of the growing population of people with autism are not being met, and that has to change,” said Mark Roithmayr, president of Autism Speaks.
More than 800 members of the autism community in 48 states and the District of Columbia participated in the survey.
Autism Speaks is North America's largest autism science and advocacy organization - committing over $160 million to research and developing innovative new resources for families since 2005.
April is Autism Awareness month and one of the messages to parents is 'early intervention' .
Here are the 'red flags' to look for in your child, according to FirstSigns.org :
No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months or thereafter
No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or other facial expressions by nine months or thereafter
No babbling by 12 months
No back-and-forth gestures, such as pointing, showing, reaching, or waving by 12 months
No words by 16 months
No two-word meaningful phrases (without imitating or repeating) by 24 months
Any loss of speech or babbling or social skills at any age
Experts stress the need for parents to be aware of their child's development, and bring any concerns to the attention of your pediatrician.
What growth should you look for in your child? Click here to take The Milestone Quiz.
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