Breaking News

CDC Releases New Autism Prevalence Information:
1 in 49 NJ children, 1 in 88 nationally

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) releases the report Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders – Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, 14 States, United States, 2008. The findings are outlined below:

 

New Jersey:

  • 1 in 49
  • Boys: 1 in 29
  • Girls: 1 in 172
  • Average age of autism diagnosis is 3 years, 2 months old (earlier than in previous studies)

 

National:

  • 1 in 88
  • Boys: 1 in 54
  • Girls: 1 in 252
  • Average age of autism diagnosis is 4 years old (earlier than in previous studies)
  • 78% increase in prevalence comparing the 2012 study that looked at the data from children who were 8 years old in 2008 to the 2007 study that looked at the data from children who were 8 years old in 2002 data

 

Main findings:

 

 

 

For a full report, visit http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ss6103a1.htm?s_cid=ss6103a1_e

For a transcript of the CDC Telebriefing on the Prevalence of ASDS, visit www.cdc.gov/media

 

Initial Reflections:

 

“The results tell us that many NJ families need help. NJ must commit to a comprehensive, state-wide plan to work toward a continuum of services and supports through the life span, as needed, when needed. Advocacy is essential to Autism New Jersey’s mission. As advisors on laws and regulations to state and federal decision makers, treatment professionals, educators, media, families and the general population, Autism New Jersey directly impacts individuals with autism and NJ’s autism community everyday and for a lifetime. 1 in 49: Now is the time to join us.”
-Dr. Linda Meyer, Autism New Jersey Executive Director
 
 
“As a parent, the rates affect my family when they are used to direct funding, help agencies develop necessary services and create community awareness about the scope of autism.  As the Conference Director at Autism New Jersey, the rates put into perspective the need for valuable information found at Autism New Jersey’s Annual Conference.”
-Barbra Wells, Autism New Jersey Conference Director and Ian’s Mom
 
 
“In my advocacy role as a professional and a parent of an adult with autism, I believe prevalence rates must be responded to with evidence-based treatment and compassion for each individual on the spectrum.” 
-Bob Titus, Autism New Jersey Public Policy Director and Joe’s Dad


“As a parent, it hopefully will make the healthcare and educational professionals more aware of the issues that face our families and take notice that autism is not going away. As a professional, I feel my job is more relevant than ever in helping families obtain needed services for their children.”
-Sarah Andrews, Autism New Jersey Information Coordinator and Jacob and Benjamin’s Mom
 
“I hope the new information on autism prevalence rates will have a positive impact on individuals like my daughter, regardless of where they are on the spectrum. This also applies to my viewpoint as a professional.  People with autism have needs ranging from quite profound to subtle.”
-Elena Graziosi, Autism New Jersey Information Coordinator and Katia’s Mom

 

 

How can Autism New Jersey Help?
Autism New Jersey’s toll free helpline, 800.4.AUTISM, is open 8:30am-5:00pm, Monday – Friday. From diagnosis to early education services, education, transition and adult services, our skilled compassionate autism specialists provide information and assistance.

 

Updated Publication:

“Because you always need a place to start…”
Autism: Start Here, What Families Need to Know. A new publication coming from Autism New Jersey in April.

When parents receive a new diagnosis of autism, their world is turned upside down. This publication contains essential information to start parents on their journey and connects them to the best resources available.

This publication includes information on autism diagnosis and criteria, autism professionals, state and local services, early intervention, special education, parent-professional collaboration, evaluating potential treatment options, ABA, and other important topics.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Support Autism New Jersey

We remain dedicated to serving the needs of New Jersey’s autism community.  In these difficult economic times, we must rely on the financial support of our friends in the community.  Our services and outreach activities are only possible with the support of our members and generous donors.

 

Make a donation! Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution online today.

 

Become a Member! Join together with other members of the autism community and become a member of New Jersey’s largest autism advocacy organization.

 

As always, if you require support or information, please contact us at 800.4.AUTISM, 609.588.8200 or visit autismnj.org.

 

 

Sincerely,
 
Your Friends at Autism New Jersey!
www.autismnj.org
Visit us on Facebook – www.facebook.com/AutismNJ