Last week the Centers for Disease Control announced that autism is, once again, on the rise with new data suggesting that now 1 in 68 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ss6302a1.htm?s_cid=ss6302a1_w). In response, Liz Feld, president of Autism Speaks, spoke out nationally emphasizing the “urgent need for more research funding and more attention”. A national response to combat the rising numbers is needed now more than ever.
As SLPs, we know how critical our role is for providing appropriate services and education to individuals with ASD as well as to their families. But how much time and effort do we put into raising awareness and educating the general public? Now is the time to take action and get the word out locally and nationally. We can have a tremendous impact. It is time to do our part.
Here are some fantastic ways that you can continue to raise awareness, educate the public, and support your clients and families:
Resources:
- Autism Society of America - Get Involved; Celebrate National Autism Awareness Month
- Autism Speaks - Light It Up Blue; Autism Speaks - Resources
- Autism Today
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Autism Information Center
Contact your state legislature: Elected Officials Search
Support autism research:
Professional development:
- Autism and Severe Cognitive Impairment – Where do I start?
- Language and Literacy Concerns in School-Age Children with ASD
- Social-Pragmatic Deficits in School-Age Children with ASD
At SpeechPathology.com, our goal is to keep you current not only with professional development courses but also with the latest research findings year round. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter to help stay informed about autism and other critical topics impacting the SLP profession.
Sincerely,
Amy Hansen, M.A., CCC-SLP
Managing Editor