There’s Something about Autism in New Jersey
To the list of “unwanted distinctions” associated with New Jersey—the most densly populated state, the state with the most Superfund sites that stubbornly calls itself the “Garden State”—the February 18th New York Times adds the “autism anomaly“: Why is the prevalence rate for children with autism so much higher across the Hudson? (With the implied statement of “whaddya expect”?)
The Times then admits that there are “some good things about New Jersey”:
- “a higher level of awareness about autism”: “an established community of advocates for special education in general, and autism in particular” (New Jersey has the second-highest percentage of children diagnosed with autism by the age of 3, an indicate that parents are aware enough, and knowledgeable enough, to seek out a diagnosis)
- “meticulous record-keeping”: “Researchers had a median of eight diagnostic records available to them to determine whether a child had an autistic disorder, while researchers in Maryland, for instance, had two “>
- a wider availability of services in schools and communities.
These are positive factors for autistic children and for their families: There is a lot of autism here in New Jersey, because there is a lot of understanding about autism (not that they can’t be more…….). Dr. Walter Zahorodny, director of the New Jersey Autism Study, is quoted as saying that “‘We have a sensitive system and unfortunately we’re picking a lot of cases up’”—in my view, this is fortunate. The variety of services, educational options, and autism professionals we have met, the legislative efforts, : These have added up to something good for Charlie.
Who, by the way—even though he was born in Missouri and learned to talk in Minnesota (thanks to a speech therapist who is from Las Vegas)—has more than a hint of a Jersey accent.
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POSTED IN: Environment, New Jersey, Statistics, Stereotypes
3 opinions for There’s Something about Autism in New Jersey
Daisy
Feb 19, 2007 at 3:21 pm
I’d love to “spread” numbers 1, 2, and 3 to my own state, Wisconsin. We have a good public school system, awareness and programming for autism are on the rise, but I don’t feel we’re “there” yet. One great weakness is public awareness or lack thereof.
Kristina Chew, PhD
Feb 19, 2007 at 4:10 pm
Can you drop them a hint……
Minnesota Has the Highest Autism Rate?: Depends on How You Count It
Aug 20, 2008 at 3:30 am
[…] in 2007, about 1 in 150 8-year-old children in multiple areas of the United States had an ASD, and New Jersey has the highest prevalence rate, 1 in 94. An article in the August 20th CityPages in Minnesota […]
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