Autism and the economic divide
by Erin
A Newsday article looks at why affluent school districts “classify more than five times as many of their students with autism as districts at the opposite end of the economic spectrum.”
The Newsday survey drew on state data from school districts whose enrollments were more than 500.
Advocates who have compiled similar data voice concern that many poor, minority youngsters might not be getting the same extensive, state-mandated services available to those identified as autistic…
Medical experts blame the problem not so much on schools as on a lack of quality health care in low-income neighborhoods. Research shows toddlers in poor families who aren’t taken on regular visits to pediatricians are less likely to have their autism diagnosed when it first appears — usually, before age 3.
This news is disturbing. Early treatment is vital for children with autism, and it pains me to hear of children falling through the cracks.
At Easter Seals Peoria-Bloomington, we screen all children regardless of income. We team with daycare centers, health departments, school districts, and social service agencies in our area to get the word out.
April Leopold, the supervisor of screening here at Easter Seals Peoria-Bloomington, describes it this way:
“We go out into the community where kids are. We then make referrals and linkages for families to the state’s Early Intervention Programs, local school district programs, community programs and services.
We found that we have to go where the children are in order to catch them.”
A basic rule for treating autism is the earlier the intervention, the better. I’m pleased we screen children here no matter what their income level — I just wish this was happening more often in other parts of the country.
Preschool children with autism need early intervention programs like ours to help them learn skills they’ll need to be successful in school. And in life.