The Missouri Blue Ribbon Panel on Autism released its report on December 18. The report includes 36 recommendations to increase and enhance services for children and adults affected by an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout Missouri.
The panel has identified several critical issues that deserve resolution. I hope the state legislature takes a serious look at this report and spends time evaluating each recommendation.
More than anything, it seems that inconsistencies in the quantity and quality of services throughout our state have been brought to light. This is especially true when it comes to educational opportunities. School districts do not all provide the same level of support to students who are affected by an ASD.
Early intervention is key and yet it can take months for a child to receive a comprehensive diagnosis. Time is precious and these kids can't afford to waste it on bureaucratic red tape. Even worse, often after a child receives a medical diagnosis he/she has to jump through more hoops to receive an educational diagnosis through the local school district. Tick tock, tick tock. More time is wasted and services are denied to our most fragile citizens - our kids. We can do better. We simply have to do better.
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