Click for Autism Care and Treatment!
The Chase Giving Campaign is giving away $5 million to local charities - and we want you to join us in supporting Autism Care and Treatment (ACT Today!) to receive a $1 million donation. ACT Today! is a non profit organization dedicated to providing grant funds to families that cannot afford or access the treatments their autistic children need.
So, join us as we vote to make a difference! ACT Today! YOUR vote can help the life of a child with autism.
1. Click here: apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/459645
2. Go to your Facebook account. Or, sign up for one.
3. Click on Chase Giving or Search Charity on the tab on top.
4. Type in Act Today where it says Enter Your Charity.
5. Click on Vote for Charity.
6. If you can, write why you support ACT Today! and click Publish.
7. If you want to help more, post it on your Profile Page to help spread the word.
8. You can also click on the Invite a Friend and ask them to vote for ACT Today!.
9. And, don't forget to become a CARD Facebook friend!
About Autism Care and Treatment (ACT Today!):
ACT Today! provides grant money for families that cannot afford or access the treatments their autistic children need. From protective helmets, to social skills groups, to ABA and biomedical treatments, ACT Today! does everything they can to help autistic children achieve their highest potential. Through direct donation, corporate sponsorship and community generosity, ACT Today! is changing the lives of children TODAY.
CARD Executive Director Appointed to Regional Task Force on Autism
Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD. BCBA-D, Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc. (CARD), one of the world’s largest organizations effectively treating children with autism, has been appointed to the North Los Angeles County Regional Task Force (NLAART) of the California Senate Select Committee on Autism & Related Disorders. Dr. Granpeesheh will serve as Co-Chair of NLAART’s Early Intervention Work Group. She is joined by co-chair Margaret Dunkle and Elizabeth Laugeson, Psy D., Chair and Moderator.Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh co-chairs the North Los Angeles County workgroup which focuses on early autism intervention issues.
The Task Force will develop legislation recommendations and community outreach programs to educate and bring awareness to this important subject. Parents, providers, non-profit agency leaders and others were invited to participate in the 80-member group.“I commend the California State Senators for establishing this group of experts and advocates to analyze the best practices in early intervention treatments for autism and find solutions to disseminating this treatment to the States growing population in need,” says Granpeesheh. “I am honored to be a part of this committee working to make a change in the autism community.”
The NLAART is one of several committees formed across the state. Each committee is tasked with developing recommendations for addressing five key areas of autism: Housing, Insurance, Training and Employment (High Functioning & Asperger's), Training and Employment (Full Spectrum Autism), and Early Identification & Intervention.
Senator Carol Liu (D-Pasadena), Senator Alex Padilla (D- Pacoima), and Senator Fran Pavley (D- Agoura Hills) lead the NLAART task force and will represent the group’s interest to the greater California Senate Select Committee on Autism & Related Disorders next year.
About Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, BCBA-D:
Dr. Granpeesheh has dedicated thirty years to helping individuals with autism lead healthy, productive lives.
Dr. Granpeesheh is licensed by the Medical Board of California, the Texas and Arizona State Boards of Psychologists, and the Dubai Healthcare City Board of Psychologists. She earned a Certificate of Professional Qualification in Psychology from the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
She is an active member of many boards whose mission is to advance the treatment of autism. She is on the Scientific Advisory Boards of the US Autism and Asperger's Association, the Autism File Magazine, Autism 360 and the 4-A Healing Foundation. Dr. Granpeesheh is also on the Board of Directors of the Autism Society of America, a member of the Autism Human Rights and Discrimination Initiative steering committee and the oversight committee of the Department of Developmental Disabilities for the State of Arizona. She is the founding member and President of Autism Care and Treatment (ACT Today!), a non‐profit organization that helps families’ access effective treatments. Dr. Granpeesheh founded the Center for Autism & Related Disorders (CARD) in 1990.
Dr. Granpeesheh is known throughout the world as an expert in the field of autism research and treatment. Specific areas of expertise and research include curriculum development from early intervention through the early stages of adulthood, diagnostic, developmental and behavioral assessment, higher order skill acquisition, long‐term outcomes, and the effects of medical interventions in conjunction with behavioral programs. She has trained thousands of professionals and families on her treatment techniques and curriculum, leading to a faster dissemination of quality treatment information.
Through her active participation and direction in research, curriculum development and treatment, Dr. Granpeesheh has consistently demonstrated the effectiveness of Applied Behavior Analysis intervention. She has not only helped tens of thousands of families, but has successfully helped many children and young adults attain their highest potential, giving further merit to the notion that autism is treatable and that affected individuals can lead independent, meaningful lives.
About the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc. (CARD):
The Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc. (CARD) maintains a reputation as one of the world’s largest and most experienced organizations effectively treating children with autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, PDD-NOS, and related disorders. Following the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), CARD develops individualized treatment plans for each child.
CARD provides both US regional and remote services around the globe through its 19 satellite sites in California (11 sites), New York (2 sites), Virginia, Illinois, Texas, Arizona, Australia, and New Zealand as well as its franchise clinics in the United Arab Emirates and South Africa. With a mission to increase access to the most effective treatments, CARD has developed strong working relationships with parent organizations, schools and government agencies all over the world, including the Middle East, Europe, and Hawaii.
Private School Hosts Holiday Event to Benefit Children with Autism
The concert will benefit Autism Care and Treatment (ACT-Today!), a non profit organization that provides access to treatment for children with autism. "Chaminade College Preparatory encourages students and clubs to actively, "give back," as part of our mission statement. Harmony Chorus is delighted to be able to support the autism fund raiser by adding our voices to this wonderful cause,” says Choir Director Paulette Mann.
"We are always thrilled when people use their talents to help families with autism,” says ACT Today!’s Executive Director Nancy Alspaugh-Jackson. “The students at Chaminade are amazing and we are grateful to be on the receiving end of their generous holiday spirit as they raise funds for ACT Today!.”
A suggested donation of $10 will be collected at the door. The concert begins at 6pm and is followed by a reception from 7pm – 9pm.
For more information about the concert and to RSVP, contact ACT Today! at 818.705.1625 or email at info@act-today.org.
About Chaminade College Preparatory School:
The Chaminade “C-NOTES” is a non-auditioned choir open to all boys and girls in grades 6-8. The choir performs throughout the school year. The Chaminade C-Notes perform at Disneyland each year and traditionally travel on a singing tour each year during Spring Break.
About Autism Care and Treatment (ACT Today!):
ACT Today! provides grant money for families that cannot afford or access the treatments their autistic children need. From protective helmets, to social skills groups, to ABA and biomedical treatments, ACT Today! does everything they can to help autistic children achieve their highest potential. Through direct donation, corporate sponsorship and community generosity, ACT Today! is changing the lives of children TODAY. For more information about ACT Today, visit www.act-today.org.
KTLA Interviews CARD Founder About Medical Marijuna as a Treatment for Autism
Transcript of News Segment:
In a special KTLA investigation we told you about one young California boy whose parents are giving him medical marijuana to treat his autism symptoms.
The response to our report has been overwhelming... so we took this very personal, ground-breaking story straight to the experts.
KTLA's Cher Calvin introduced you to 'Sam,' a ten year-old who lives with his Dad, his Mom, and his sister Lucy in Northern California.
Sam has autism.
His disorder made him so violent and aggressive, his parents Steve and Angela turned to growing medical marijuana, and dosing Sam with it.
"If you think about it, it's the perfect drug for that kind of behavior, very calming," Sam's Mom Angela says.
His Dad Steve turns the cannabis plants into a concentrated form commonly called 'hash,' and gives Sam just a speck, which he eats almost daily.
For Sam's family, the results have been astounding.
"It was like all this anguish, pent-up rage and aggressiveness went away," Steve said. "It just calmed him down."
We showed our KTLA special report to Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh, founder of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders in Tarzana CA. She was not surprised."Parents are suffering so much from the behaviors they see in their children, and they're looking for any kind of solution," Dr. Granpeesheh says. "So it's not unexpected to see parents turning to medical marijuana."
Dr. Granpeesheh has studied autistic children for three decades. In recent months she's heard a handful of other success stories much like Sam's.
Still, the doctor warns that we don't yet know enough about cannabis for kids. "My concern with this would be that we don't have any research on the use of medical cannabis with children, and we certainly don't have any safety studies.""I've heard from some parents that they've use medical marijuana and they've found that it reduces aggression, it reduces hyperactivity," Dr. Granpeesheh says. "It will definitely affect the self-stimulatory and repetitive behaviors in autism, so they find their children are much calmer after the use of marijuana."
Dr. Granpeesheh says there might be a down side to marijuana for autism. "In most cases the use of such things as cannabis will actually reduce your learning ability, and it's very important for children with autism to become more aware -- not just more calm, but more aware. And it might not be possible to do that when you've used cannabis."
But in light of our "Sam's Story" special report, the Center for Autism would fully support more study of the effects of medical marijuana.
"It's certainly a very interesting area," Dr. Granpeesheh concludes, "And we would be interested in doing that research."
It's a fascinating frontier for many parents who've experienced the challenge -- and the heartbreak -- of autism in their children's lives.
AND EFFECTIVE TREATMENTS,
VISIT
www.centerforautism.com
Copyright © 2009, KTLA-TV, Los Angeles
Center for Autism and Related Disorders Study Finds Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Ineffective Treatment for Children with Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are characterized by the presence of impaired development in social interaction and communication and the presence of a restricted repertoire of activity and interests. While numerous treatments for ASDs have been proposed, very few have been subjected to rigorous scientific investigation. HBOT has been recently popularized as a treatment for the symptoms of ASDs. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that HBOT would have a beneficial effect on ASD symptoms in the context of a double-blind placebo-controlled trial.The “Randomized Trial of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Children with Autism” study reveals that HBOT, consisting of 24% oxygen delivered at 1.3 atmospheres of pressure, does not have a significant effect on symptoms of autism. This study was led by Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, BCBA-D; Jonathan Tarbox, PhD, BCBA-D; Dennis R. Dixon, PhD; Arthur E. Wilke; Michael S. Allen, PsyD; and James Jeffrey Bradstreet, MD, MD (H), FAAFP. It is published in the current issue of Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders.
This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial compared HBOT used to deliver 24% oxygen at 1.3 atmospheric pressure (n = 18) to placebo (n = 16) in children with Autistic Disorder. Both direct observational measures of behaviors symptomatic of autism and standardized psychological assessments were used to evaluate the effects of the treatment. CARD researchers found no differences between HBOT and placebo groups across any of the outcome measures.
The present study demonstrates that HBOT delivered at 24% oxygen at 1.3 atmospheric pressure does not result in a clinically significant improvement in the symptoms of Autistic Disorder.
Questions regarding this study should be directed to Dr. Jonathan Tarbox, CARD Director of Research at j.tarbox@centerforautism.com or 818.345.2345.
All MEDIA INQUIRIES should be directed to Daphne Plump at (661) 478-6512 or d.plump@centerforautism.com.
About the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc. (CARD):
CARD is committed to science as the most objective and reliable approach to evaluating treatment for autism. CARD’s mission is to conduct empirical research on the assessment and treatment of autism and to disseminate CARD’s research findings and derived technology through publication and education of professionals and the public. While the primary focus of CARD’s research is ABA-based methods of assessment and treatment, CARD’s overall approach to research includes any topic which may hold promise for producing information that could improve the lives of individuals with autism.
In addition, CARD maintains a reputation as one of the world’s largest and most experienced organizations effectively treating children with autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, PDD-NOS, and related disorders. Following the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), CARD develops individualized treatment plans for children worldwide. For more information about CARD, visit http://www.centerforautism.com/ .
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Center for Autism and Related Disorders Research Team Publishes Article in Current Issue of the Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities
The study compares indirect, descriptive, and experimental functional assessments, across seven children with autism, representing a range of ages and topographies of challenging behavior. Overall, descriptive assessments often did not produce conclusive results, whereas the indirect and experimental assessments generally did. Concurrence across the three types of functional assessments was found in only one case. Implications for clinical and educational practice are discussed.
Current standards of practice in psychological and educational services dictate the need for ascertaining the function of challenging behaviors before treating them and for behavioral interventions to be based on the function of behavior. At least three broad categories of functional assessments have been developed, including indirect, descriptive, and experimental procedures. Although experimental functional analyses are common in empirical research on behavioral intervention, indirect and descriptive functional assessment procedures may be more commonly used in clinical and educational practice. Little previous research has systematically compared indirect, descriptive, and experimental functional assessments in children with autism.
To read a preview of the current article,
visit http://www.springerlink.com/content/a234h818384r324t.
Or visit www.centerforautismcom/autism_research.
Questions regarding this study should be directed to Dr. Jonathan Tarbox, CARD Director of Research at j.tarbox@centerforautism.com or 818.345.2345.
About the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc. (CARD):
CARD is committed to science as the most objective and reliable approach to evaluating treatment for autism. CARD’s mission is to conduct empirical research on the assessment and treatment of autism and to disseminate CARD’s research findings and derived technology through publication and education of professionals and the public.
While the primary focus of CARD’s research is ABA‐based methods of assessment and treatment, CARD’s overall approach to research includes any topic which may hold promise for producing information that could improve the lives of individuals with autism. In addition, CARD maintains a reputation as one of the world’s largest and most experienced organizations effectively treating children with autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, PDD‐NOS, and related disorders. Following the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), CARD develops individualized treatment plans for children worldwide. For more information about CARD, visit www.centerforautism.com.
CARD Researchers Named to the Board of Editors of the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
“This is an exceptional honor as JABA is the premier scientific journal in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and we are really excited by the opportunity to serve on the board of editors,” says Dr. Tarbox.
CARD Moves New Zealand Office to New Location
The Center for Autism and Related Disorders Inc. (CARD), one of the world’s largest organizations effectively treating autism, has relocated its Auckland, New Zealand satellite office. The new address is 72 Apollo Drive, 1st Floor Albany.
“The move was done to accommodate the growth and to help the center’s visibility in the area,” says CARD New Zealand Managing Supervisor Sheree Adams, BA, BCBA.
The new office location shares space with Autism House, a non profit organization dedicated to helping families with children with autism. “We will be working collaboratively with Autism House. They will refer families to us for diagnostic services and behavior intervention and we will provide the type of services families in the area need, including therapy, recreation and respite.”
CARD offers the following services, Initial Assessment which is conducted to determine service needs; Special Outpatient Services (SOS) which is designed to help individuals who may be struggling with specific problems; Comprehensive Programs, an approach to help children achieve success and Diagnostic Assessment that consists of various activities that allow you to observe social and communication behaviors related to the diagnosis of pervasive developmental disorders.
For more information about CARD New Zealand, visit www.centreforautism.co.nz , call 64 (9) 4195025, or email cardnz@xtra.co,nz
About the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc. (CARD):
The Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc. (CARD) maintains a reputation as one of the world’s largest and most experienced organizations effectively treating children with autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, PDD-NOS, and related disorders. Following the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), CARD develops individualized treatment plans for each child.
CARD provides both US regional and remote services around the globe through its 19 satellite sites in California (11 sites), New York (2 sites), Virginia, Illinois, Texas, Arizona, Australia, and New Zealand as well as its franchise clinics in the United Arab Emirates and South Africa. With a mission to increase access to the most effective treatments, CARD has developed strong working relationships with parent organizations, schools and government agencies all over the world, including the Middle East, Europe, and Hawaii. For more information about CARD, visit www.centerforautism.com.
CARD Rochester Autism Conference - Tomorrow - Not too Late to REGISTER!!
The Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc. (CARD) will host a one day, comprehensive CARD Rochester Autism Conference on October 28, 2009 at The Country Party House located at 321 East Linden in Rochester, New York.
“CARD has brought together six of its leading autism experts to present workshops which will deliver the most effective autism interventions, the latest in autism research and information on the most successful autism curricula to date,” says CARD Rochester Managing Supervisor Denise Rhine, MS Ed, BCBA. “We are confident that both professionals and parents will greatly benefit from this intensive conference.”
The CARD Rochester Autism Conference is designed for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), Board Certified Associate Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs), parents, caregivers, students, and professionals (including teachers, social workers, speech and language pathologists, and others).
The conference begins with a keynote address by world renowned autism expert, Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh and ends with a screening of RECOVERED: Journeys Through the Autism Spectrum and Back, an award-winning documentary of four children who recovered from autism.
Other speakers include the following experts:
Melissa Olive, PhD, BCBA-D
Dr. Olive completed her master's degree at
Jonathan Tarbox, PhD, BCBA-D
Dr. Tarbox is currently the Director of Research and Development at the Center for Autism and Related Disorders. Dr. Tarbox has worked in a variety of positions in the field of behavior analysis, including basic research, applied research, and practical work; with individuals with and without autism and other developmental disabilities, of all ages, and their families and care providers. He has worked for and in public school districts, private schools, sheltered workshops, group homes, developmental centers, behavioral consultation agencies, hospitals, and community-based recreational programs; in direct service provision, supervision, consultation, and program development and director roles. His early career involved positions at both the
Dennis Dixon, PhD
Dr. Dennis Dixon received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from
Katrina Lublin is a certified speech-language pathologist and department supervisor at the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc since 2004. She has worked with children with autism for eight years within collaborative models incorporating
Lisa Schrader obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Special Education in 2002 from Keuka College in Keuka Park, New York. She went on to earn her Master’s degree in Special Education at
For more information about the conference, visit www.centerforautism.com/autism_conference.
Registration deadline is October 23, 2009.
CARD ROCHESTER AUTISM CONFERENCE - THIS WEDNESDAY - REGISTER TODAY
The Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc. (CARD) will host a one day, comprehensive CARD Rochester Autism Conference on October 28, 2009 at The Country Party House located at 321 East Linden in Rochester, New York.
“CARD has brought together six of its leading autism experts to present workshops which will deliver the most effective autism interventions, the latest in autism research and information on the most successful autism curricula to date,” says CARD Rochester Managing Supervisor Denise Rhine, MS Ed, BCBA. “We are confident that both professionals and parents will greatly benefit from this intensive conference.”
The CARD Rochester Autism Conference is designed for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), Board Certified Associate Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs), parents, caregivers, students, and professionals (including teachers, social workers, speech and language pathologists, and others).
The conference begins with a keynote address by world renowned autism expert, Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh and ends with a screening of RECOVERED: Journeys Through the Autism Spectrum and Back, an award-winning documentary of four children who recovered from autism.
Other speakers include the following experts:
Melissa Olive, PhD, BCBA-D
Dr. Olive completed her master's degree at
Jonathan Tarbox, PhD, BCBA-D
Dr. Tarbox is currently the Director of Research and Development at the Center for Autism and Related Disorders. Dr. Tarbox has worked in a variety of positions in the field of behavior analysis, including basic research, applied research, and practical work; with individuals with and without autism and other developmental disabilities, of all ages, and their families and care providers. He has worked for and in public school districts, private schools, sheltered workshops, group homes, developmental centers, behavioral consultation agencies, hospitals, and community-based recreational programs; in direct service provision, supervision, consultation, and program development and director roles. His early career involved positions at both the
Dennis Dixon, PhD
Dr. Dennis Dixon received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from
Katrina Lublin is a certified speech-language pathologist and department supervisor at the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc since 2004. She has worked with children with autism for eight years within collaborative models incorporating
Lisa Schrader obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Special Education in 2002 from Keuka College in Keuka Park, New York. She went on to earn her Master’s degree in Special Education at
For more information about the conference, visit www.centerforautism.com/autism_conference.
Registration deadline is October 23, 2009.
Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh to Speak at Rochester Autism Conference!
The Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc. (CARD) will host a one day, comprehensive CARD Rochester Autism Conference on October 28, 2009 at The Country Party House located at 321 East Linden in Rochester, New York.
“CARD has brought together six of its leading autism experts to present workshops which will deliver the most effective autism interventions, the latest in autism research and information on the most successful autism curricula to date,” says CARD Rochester Managing Supervisor Denise Rhine, MS Ed, BCBA. “We are confident that both professionals and parents will greatly benefit from this intensive conference.”
The CARD Rochester Autism Conference is designed for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), Board Certified Associate Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs), parents, caregivers, students, and professionals (including teachers, social workers, speech and language pathologists, and others).
The conference begins with a keynote address by world renowned autism expert, Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh and ends with a screening of RECOVERED: Journeys Through the Autism Spectrum and Back, an award-winning documentary of four children who recovered from autism.
Other speakers include the following experts:
Melissa Olive, PhD, BCBA-D
Dr. Olive completed her master's degree at
Jonathan Tarbox, PhD, BCBA-D
Dr. Tarbox is currently the Director of Research and Development at the Center for Autism and Related Disorders. Dr. Tarbox has worked in a variety of positions in the field of behavior analysis, including basic research, applied research, and practical work; with individuals with and without autism and other developmental disabilities, of all ages, and their families and care providers. He has worked for and in public school districts, private schools, sheltered workshops, group homes, developmental centers, behavioral consultation agencies, hospitals, and community-based recreational programs; in direct service provision, supervision, consultation, and program development and director roles. His early career involved positions at both the
Dennis Dixon, PhD
Dr. Dennis Dixon received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from
Katrina Lublin is a certified speech-language pathologist and department supervisor at the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc since 2004. She has worked with children with autism for eight years within collaborative models incorporating
Lisa Schrader obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Special Education in 2002 from Keuka College in Keuka Park, New York. She went on to earn her Master’s degree in Special Education at
For more information about the conference, visit www.centerforautism.com/autism_conference.
Registration deadline is October 23, 2009.
Forever Families - With a laugh and a smile, Joseph warms the heart
Joseph has autism, but people who work closely with him say with love and attention, he's learning quickly."He's just his own person, he's so unique and fun to be around," case worker Kendall Wylie said. "His speech has improved tremendously just from the six months I've known him. We went from one- to two-word commands and phrases, and now he's speaking, he actually spoke in a five-word sentence to me."
The 6-year-old liked to run around and explore, and was to learn how to work an unfamiliar lock on a door.
"That shows me that he's a good problem solver," autism specialist Dr. Melissa Olive said. "His ability to learn so quickly was very exciting for me."
With a kind and generous personality like Joseph's, it's not hard to fall in love with him.
ut along with love, the right family for him needs patience. "I don't think there's any family that could be wrong for him," Dr. Olive said. "Unless the family doesn't have patience, but then that family may not be ready to adopt any child, because raising children takes a lot of patience."
With just a little patience, he'll let you in, to see one of his greatest qualities. "He has a belly laugh that will make anyone fall in love with him," Dr. Olive said. And a smile that can make you cry, a smile we hope he can share with his forever family.
National Children's Health Survey Report Finds Autism Prevalence
A national report released today in the journal Pediatrics reveals that 1 percent of U.S. children ages 3-17 have an autism spectrum disorder, an estimated prevalence of one in every 91 children. This is a dramatic increase from the one in 150 prevalence rates currently reported.
The report, entitled “Prevalence of Parent-Reported Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Children in the US,” published in today’s issue of Pediatrics, was conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services National Survey of Children’s Health, using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The report was conducted via a telephone survey of over 78,000 parents, and determined a point prevalence of 110 per 10,000 respondents, roughly 1 percent of the population of children in the United States.
On a constituent call to discuss the report, the CDC reported that its initial analysis of the Autism and Developmental Delay Monitoring project data, due out later this fall, confirm the 1 percent figure. This report will also contain more data on age of diagnosis, groups affected, and access to interventions.
The increasing numbers have long-term economic costs to the country, as autism is a chronic medical condition affecting people across the lifespan. “Lifespan services, particularly for adults, are typically inadequate and inappropriate,” Grossman stated. “This new data should be a call to action to the government to improve and increase services and supports first.”
The Autism Society has been working with Congress on several key bills, which have stalled. “The information in this new report highlights the pressing need for additional services, support and treatments for families affected by autism spectrum disorders,” said Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL). “My bill, the Autism Treatment Acceleration Act, will help children and adults with autism gain better access to coordinated services, improve training for professionals treating these disorders, and will relieve the financial burden on the millions of families struggling with this disability.”
This bill, if funded, would provide funding for applied research into effective interventions, the first ever demonstration grants on adult services, create an adult prevalence study, and fund family support and information networks.
“Autism affects millions of American families, and the cost of diagnosis, early intervention, and treatment imposes a heavy burden on most of them,” said Congressman Mike Doyle (D-PA), co-chair of the Congressional Autism Caucus. “This legislation, the Autism Treatment Acceleration Act of 2009, would improve the dissemination of information between autism researchers and service providers, improve training for professionals treating autism spectrum disorders, and mandate that health insurers cover the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Enactment of this legislation would do a lot to help millions of American families.”
“The increase in the reported prevalence of autism across the nation testifies to the urgency of executing a comprehensive strategy in response to this public health emergency,” said Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ), co-chair of the Congressional Autism Caucus. “For its part, Congress must ensure robust funding to support aggressive programs of research, education, and services. Furthermore, Congress needs to enact additional legislation, such as the Autism Treatment Acceleration Act of 2009, that will establish the infrastructure and mechanisms for delivering appropriate services across the lifespan to individuals with autism and their families. We must look to maximize the reach and impact of our investments and activities by closely coordinating government efforts with those of national advocacy organizations, such as the Autism Society.”
For more information or to schedule interviews, please contact Autism Society Media Specialist Carin Yavorcik at 419-787-8146 or cyavorcik@autism-society.org, or Autism Society Vice President of Constituent Relations Marguerite Kirst Colston at 240-672-4734 or mcolston@autism-society.org.
About Autism
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disability that typically appears during the first two years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a “spectrum disorder” that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause for autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families today.
About the Autism Society
The Autism Society, the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization, exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. We do this by increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy. For more information, visit www.autism-society.org.
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