Publication provides resources for families of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- A new publication developed by the Indiana Resource Center for Autism at Indiana University's Indiana Institute on Disability and Community provides Indiana families a place to start navigating systems after their child receives an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis.
This free booklet, “After the Diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Resource for Families Whose Child Is Newly Diagnosed,” includes information on what it means to have an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, what services, supports and funding are available, and a state resource list.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new figures in 2015 indicating that the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in the U.S. had climbed to 1 in 68 children. The estimated rate is 1 in 41 among boys and 1 in 189 among girls. In Indiana, based on 2014 child count data collected by the Indiana Department of Education, Office of Special Education, the prevalence is now about 1 in 71 in Indiana schools.
The new “After the Diagnosis” booklet answers the question many families ask: "Now that we have the diagnosis, what can I do for my child?" This booklet provides a first step toward experiencing some relief, and finding hope and needed guidance for a family and child with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis.
The booklet is available free of charge to any individual or organization in Indiana concerned with the development of children on the autism spectrum. A printer-friendly online version of the booklet can also be found on the Indiana Resource Center for Autism website. A Spanish version will be available in the near future.
Content for this booklet was produced through a collaborative effort by the following agencies in Indiana: The Indiana Resource Center for Autism, Riley Child Development Center, Autism Society of Indiana, Family Voices Indiana, LOGAN Autism Learning Centers and The Arc of Indiana. Additional support was provided by Easter Seals Crossroads and Answers for Autism. This booklet is also made possible through donations received from family members, individuals and organizations.
For more information, contact Cathy Pratt, director of the Indiana Resource Center for Autism, at 812-855-6508 or prattc@indiana.edu.
About the Indiana Resource Center for Autism: The Indiana Resource Center for Autism is one of seven Centers at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, Indiana's University Center for Excellence. The Indiana Institute is a leader in the transfer of research and new knowledge in disability from the university setting to communities in Indiana and nationally. It is overseen and supported in part by the Office of the Vice Provost for Research.
About the Office of the Vice Provost for Research: The mission of the Office of the Vice Provost for Research is to work with individuals, teams, centers, institutes and schools to foster excellence in research and creative activities and to offer support to faculty to successfully compete for external funding. The office provides consultation, proposal development services, competitive internal funding programs and research infrastructure for a wide range of research, scholarly and creative activities.
Related Links
Media Contacts
Joel Fosha
- Indiana Institute on Disability and Community
- Office 812-855-6508
- foshaj@indiana.edu