Autism Spectrum Disorders
Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum
 
        Recent research indicates that as many as one of every 152 children suffer from autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).  With the growing prevalence of the disorders and the unique challenges they present to parents and professionals, Virginia's response "gets failing grades for autism care" according to a parent advocate group, Virginia Autism Project.  The parents' conclusions are based on good authority - the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC), the legislature's own watchdog group.  At its June meeting legislator-members of JLARC heard a report from its staff that was highly critical of services in Virginia for persons with autism spectrum disorders.
 
        Professionals in the field are in agreement that early diagnosis and early intervention are critically important for positive outcomes in treating the disorders.  In Virginia, however, JLARC researchers found that early intervention programs serving young children with ASDs do not always include components that have been shown to yield positive outcomes, such as providing intensive interventions and using research-based practices.  Children in Virginia are often diagnosed later than the ideal two to three years of age when intervention can be most effective.  At the same time, professional research shows that intensive early intervention services can significantly reduce the costs associated with special education and other public supports.  By failing to make an investment in early diagnosis and care, Virginia pays greater costs later.
 
        As for state programs that support individuals with ASDs, JLARC found them to be "inadequately coordinated."  No state agency was tasked with the responsibility until it was assigned to the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services beginning in July 2009.  JLARC also found that 'no comprehensive source of information exists to educate Virginians about ASDs and available services, and case managers are not consistently available to facilitate access to care."
 
        The findings of JLARC are not new to the families who have children with ASDs.  The costs to families in dollars expended as well as the emotional drain involved are tremendous.  The Commonwealth needs a comprehensive response to the challenge.  The House of Delegates defeated bills I introduced to expand private health insurance coverage for ASDs including defeating a bill introduced by another legislator this year.  The JLARC study results along with the excellent work done by parent advocate groups provide the background necessary for state action.  As parent advocates point out, "Clearly, the status quo is failing a growing generation of disabled Virginians."