Jersey Parents of Kids With Autism Want More Help
The group Autism New Jersey is out with a new report that finds parents aren't satisfied with the flow of information they're getting about the condition.
One in every 94 children in the Garden state is diagnosed with autism- the highest percentage of any state in the nation.
Autism New Jersey Executive Director Linda Meyer says one of the main messages of Connecting with Autism: A Blueprint for Lifetime Support, is that "having a family member with autism is hard- we also heard that parents need access to credible, reliable information leading to real services. They find it impossible to try and navigate the very complex service delivery system in the state."
She says the report shows "that's what parents so desperately need - especially parents of adolescent and adult children… when families are trying to cope with the very difficult time of dealing with a diagnosis, they must become business managers, educators and attorneys in order to negotiate services for their children…parents are asking for information before, during and after a crisis situation - individuals with autism may present some challenging behaviors and parents are asking for help."
Meyer adds the report "has been distributed to the Governor and his staff, it's going to all the legislators, public school superintendents, local officials, community leaders and others across the state…we hope that this is going to be a catalyst for change- there are several parts of this document that could be implemented immediately with very little finances."
One suggestion from parents is to improve the Autism New Jersey website - and Meyer says that project will begin right away.
The report is available here, or by calling 1-800-4-autism.
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