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Advocacy for Adult Programs for Moderate to Severe Autism in the US Noël Johnson CHHS 302 Psychology
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Reform of Services and Finances for Adults with Autism

Dec 23, 2014

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Page 1: Reform of Services and Finances for Adults with Autism

Advocacy for Adult Programs for Moderate to

Severe Autism in the US

Noël Johnson

CHHS 302

Psychology

Page 2: Reform of Services and Finances for Adults with Autism

Professional InterestI have been working in the field of Autism for the past two years providing ABA(applied behavioral analysis) therapy to children with moderate to severe Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

While these children make great strides, I am concerned what the future holds for them.

Page 3: Reform of Services and Finances for Adults with Autism

Quick Background Autism spectrum Disorder is a developmental disability characterized by social and communication deficits as well as repetitive behaviors (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 2010).

Most children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) around age three but can be diagnosed as early as 18 months.

No known cure or specific cause.

http://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/post.cfm?id=can-hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-help-2009-03-13

Page 4: Reform of Services and Finances for Adults with Autism

Critical SituationRecent rising rates of ASD will put a strain on adult services and funding as they become adults.

Services that will be needed are:

Housing

Employment/Income

Self Help/Personal Care

Transportation

Medical (The Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism, 2006)

Page 5: Reform of Services and Finances for Adults with Autism

Rhetorical TimingAccording to the CDC, 1 in every 110 children has ASD(Center for Disease Control and Preventions, 2010).

70% of those who have ASD in the US population are under the age of 14 (Lainer, 2010, p. 1).

These statistics indicate that the adult population with ASD will be increasing.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-fDgmU7S43o/TQKe52UU37I/AAAAAAAABjU/X5G-lOpZiiw/s400/HourGlass-001.jpg

Page 6: Reform of Services and Finances for Adults with Autism

It is important to look at current trends to get a better understanding of the future.

Almost 1.5 million individuals in the US have ASD and most agencies, such as the CDC, report that the rates are on the rise (Craig J. Newschaffer, 2003, p. 285).

It is estimated that the “societal cost” for an individual with ASD is 3.2 million dollars over their lifetime along with 35 billion for the entire population with the condition (Michael L. Ganz, 2007, p. 348).

Vocational rehabilitation (VR) services has reported a 121 percent increase from 2002 to 2006 in Autism cases (Cimera, 2009, p. 291).

Unemployment/underemployment rates for individuals with ASD have been reported to be over 90% (Lainer, 2010).

It is clear that there is a rise in individuals with ASD and that there is also high cost affecting the state and federal agencies programs and funding.

Summary of Research

Page 7: Reform of Services and Finances for Adults with Autism

Community Connection

The following agencies and services will be impacted in the rise of adults with ASD:

Medicaid/Medical

State Vocational Rehabilitation Programs

Social Security

Some of the agencies are already aware of the increasing rates and better funding allocation towards effective programs needs to occur before the impact becomes worse.

Page 8: Reform of Services and Finances for Adults with Autism

ReferencesCenter for Disease Control and Prevention. (2010, June 24). Autism Spectrum Disorders. Retrieved February 22, 2011, from Center for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html

Cimera, R. (2009). The costs of services and employment outcomes achieved by adults with autism in the US. autism, 285–302.

Craig J. Newschaffer, P. (2003). Autism: An Emerging Public Health Problem. Public Health Reports, 393-399.

Lainer, P. F. (2010). Addressing the Needs of Adolescents and Adults with Autism: A Crisis on the Horizon. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, 37-45.

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (2010, July 28). Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). Retrieved February 22, 2011, from National Institute of Child Health and Human Development: http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/asd.cfm

Michael L. Ganz, M. P. (2007). The Lifetime Distribution of the Incremental Societal Costs of Autism. Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine , 343-349.

The Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism. (2006, September). A comprehensive service system for adults with autism spectrum disorders. Retrieved February 22, 2011, from California State Senate: http://senweb03.senate.ca.gov/autism/documents/meetingsevents/Revised_COMPREHENSIVE%20SERVICES%20FOR%20ADULTS.pdf

Page 9: Reform of Services and Finances for Adults with Autism

Thank Thank You!You!

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