Diagnostic Testing and Tutoring Center /// CEC Chapter 538/Region 4 CA

Food for Thought on Autism SUMMER 2008

Key points:

California reports record number of new autism cases
Advocates say autism is 'epidemic,' requires more federal funding
Educators say they struggle with parents who don't accept their child's limitations
Advocates: New autism cases in California sign of 'epidemic'

California recorded an all-time record number of new autism cases between October and December of 2007. The number of new "full syndrome" autism cases reported in the fourth quarter of 2007 was 1,236 -- the most ever reported in a quarter, according to figures reported by the California Department of Developmental Services and summarized by advocate Rick Rollens. In all, DDS reported 4,143 new autism cases during 2007.

While Rollens and others say these numbers point to an "epidemic," critics say that's too strong a label. This is a disorder, they say, that is genetic in nature and whose increase can be explained by improved diagnoses, reporting and public awareness. This distinction proves important, as some believe the government would better fund schools to support students with the disorder if it recognized autism as an epidemic.

Full syndrome autism refers to children who are most severely affected and does not include children with Asperger syndrome and Pervasive Development Disorder.

By the end of March, autism likely will surpass epilepsy as the number two condition that California DDS serves. The top condition served by DDS is mental retardation.

Rollens, who has summarized DDS data for several years, says the number of new cases means about 14 new children with autism are added to the system each day.

"It shocks me every time and we all hope the numbers slow down," said Rollens, who has a son with autism and is founder of the UC Davis M.I.N.D Institute in Sacramento, which is dedicated to research, services and education for people with autism.

Up in arms

Becky Estepp, parent support liaison for Talk About Curing Autism, said the rising numbers of children with autism in the state is frustrating.

"The government is not recognizing this as an epidemic," Estepp said. "If 1 in 150 children had cancer, everyone would be up in arms," she said, referring to the number of children with autism, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If state and federal authorities recognized autism as a crisis, Estepp said, schools likely would get more money for one-on-one support to students with the disorder. Students currently aren't getting the best services because the federal government has not fully funded special education and the state can't pay the difference, Estepp said. Local school districts try their best, but too often money and time is put into legal fights over special education services, she said.

"Most of the time I tell parents if you want quality education, you need representatives at the table," Estepp said.

Special Ed Connection® related stories:

Challenges educators face (Feb. 6)
Vaccine debate divides California autism advocates (Feb. 6)
Kara Arundel covers special education for LRP Publications.

February 6, 2008

Copyright 2008 © LRP Publications

Challenges educators face

Educators are concentrating more than ever on delivering services to a growing population of students with autism.

"There isn't a school or school district that hasn't felt the impact of the autism epidemic," said Rick Rollens, who sits on the State Department of Education's Autism Advisory Committee.

The advisory committee issued a report last year that gave three recommendations to improve services for students with autism. The recommendations are:

Ensuring a seamless delivery of services and early intervention for students with autism spectrum disorders and their families.
Developing a statewide, education-focused interagency clearinghouse to provide information on ASD-related, evidence-based interventions, strategies, and other resources.
Providing technical assistance and training to schools to implement and disseminate evidence-based ASD information and strategies.

One of the biggest challenges is funding. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger estimates a $14.5 billion budget shortfall for FY 2009, including less funding for K-12 instruction than in FY 2007.

Rollens said it is his hope parents and school districts can resolve disputes without litigation. Money now spent on legal fees could go to developing effective problems, he said.

Marie Palmeri, a resource specialist in the Garvey Elementary School District in Los Angeles County, said one of the biggest challenges educators face is working with parents who don't accept their child's limitations. They also struggle to convince parents that early interventions improve a child's functioning. Educators also are seeing more students with severe autism, said Palmeri, a Region IV coordinator for the Council for Exceptional Children in California.

She is concerned the rising number of autism cases is due to environmental factors, including toxins in the ocean. Understanding the causes of autism can one day help find a solution to this increasing disorder, she said.

"It will help lead to definitive answers about what's going on so we can end it," Palmeri said.

February 6, 2008

Copyright 2008 © LRP Publications

Vaccine debate divides California autism advocates

The debate over whether a preservative in vaccines carrying mercury causes autism has divided Californians concerned with the rising number of children with autism. Some say the state's 2006 ban on vaccines containing mercury should have lowered the number of new autism cases, although the DDS numbers only count children age 3 and older.

Others say even small trace amounts of the mercury preservative could cause autism, and that advocates won't see a real drop for several more years. Even some others say other toxins are causing autism rates to skyrocket. Genetics is another popular theory of the cause of autism.

While the debate over the cause of autism can divert energy away from discussions regarding services for these children, parents who have children with autism are anxious to find the cause and warn other parents of potential risks, they say.

Advocate Rick Rollens said mercury in vaccines is a likely culprit of the rising autism cases. But, he says, it can't alone explain every case of autism.

"We can argue till the cows come home about what's causing this, but we need to start preparing for this or it will be a catastrophe," Rollens said.

February 6, 2008

Copyright 2008 © LRP Publications

Marie C.Brown Palmeri
654 S. Azusa Ave.
Azusa, California 91702
626 332 3002
Email: MCPTUTOR@aol.com

Diagnostic Testing and Tutoring Center /// CEC Chapter 538/Region 4 CA

TUTORING / CEC Region IV (includes CEC Chapter 538 San Gabriel Valley)

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