Autism Study cites higher autism estimates: 1 in 38

The recent study published May 7, 2011 in the American Journal of Psychiatry indicated that the estimates of autism incidence are much higher than previously thought. This study out of South Korea reveals that the prevalence of children known to have autism or are at risk of developing it is 1 in 38 children. As the study noted, many of these children had not been counted in previous prevalence studies, and may have been mainstreamed, undiagnosed and untreated. Whether it is an over estimation of the numbers or not, it should definitely make us all stop and think of the ramifications of this significant health crisis. Children with autism require early intervention from trained personnel. When they are provided the support needed, these children are able to communicate their needs and desires, are less frustrated, less likely to develop maladaptive behaviors, and thus increase their chances to be included in the mainstream of the education system and to become productive citizens. However, there will always be some people with autism who are going to need more involved services, and some that will need supervision and support the rest of their lives.

This burgeoning number of people with autism growing into adulthood is already overwhelming school districts and the local Regional Centers who offer a variety of services. On top of that, most of these people are Medical recipients. These numbers continue to grow at the very same time baby boomers are beginning to retire and will also require more health care funding. The impact on Medical and Medicare is becoming more dramatic.

In 2004, the San Jose Unified School District (SJUSD) formed a public-private collaboration with Morgan Autism Center to provide special education services for the SJUSD children with autism. This program has grown from one preschool class in 2004 to six classes in 2011, totally 60 children. Had SJUSD not done this program, most of the children in the program would have been either referred to a County program or a more expensive non-public school, costing the district hundreds of thousands of dollars per student. In addition, the school district was able to save considerably more by not have to fight parents in mediation cases, as most parents are very satisfied with their child’s progress within this collaborative effort. Morgan Autism Center also works with Santa Cruz County Office of Education and on a smaller scale, many other school districts.

Morgan Autism Center works with the district teachers, aides, Speech therapists, Occupational therapists and Behaviorists to help them understand the autism learning style. Training is important to any successful classroom but for children with autism it is especially critical. Like any of us, when these children feel they are being understood, and their needs are being met, they can be ‘available’ for learning.

More collaborations like this are needed. Private organizations like Morgan Autism Center with over 40 years of experience with people with autism can provide the expertise necessary to help school districts, agencies, transition programs or adult programs. Our purpose it to help these other entities build capacity within their own organizations, because we know this problem is not going away - it will only continue to grow.