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A Special Message from Cathy Pratt, Chair of AUCD's Autism Special Interest Group

April 1, 2016

Dr. Cathy Pratt, BCBA-D Chair of AUCD's Autism Special Interest Group and Director of the Indiana Resource Center for Autism at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, Indiana's University Center for Excellence in Disabilities
Dr. Cathy Pratt, BCBA-D Chair of AUCD's Autism Special Interest Group and Director of the Indiana Resource Center for Autism at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, Indiana's University Center for Excellence in Disabilities

During the tenure of my career, the incidence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has increased. Why this increase is happening and if it is really happening is being debated and researched in many corners of the world. However, the reality for many of us in the autism community focuses on not the why or if there is an increase, but rather on needed supports and services. 

The potential impact on our schools and other service delivery systems continues to be tremendous.  The strain on families is very real and significant. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is estimated to cost at least $17,000 more per year to care for a child with ASD compared to a child without ASD. Costs include health care, education, ASD-related therapy, family-coordinated services, and caregiver time. For a child with more severe ASD, costs per year increase to over $21,000. And for our adults on the spectrum, unemployment rates range from 25 to 30%. It is important to note that education services and an array of supports are needed for children and adults on the autism spectrum to live, learn, and work successfully in our communities.  

In addition to the increasing incidence, individuals are coming to us with more complex challenges and support needs. According to the CDC, ASD commonly co-occurs with other developmental, psychiatric, neurologic, chromosomal, and genetic diagnoses. The co-occurrence of one or more non-ASD developmental diagnoses is 83%. The co-occurrence of one or more psychiatric diagnoses is 10%. Those who present with both mental health issues and ASD are falling between the cracks in many states.    

These concerns drive the work of AUCD's Autism Special Interest Group (SIG) and of many AUCD entities across the country who are focused on improving the quality of life for all involved with ASD. This year the Autism SIG will cover topics that include suicide, promoting positive mental health, reaching minority family members, transition from school to work and early awareness and diagnosis. Please let us know how else we might support your efforts.  Together we can work toward policies and practices that lead to solutions. 

Dr. Cathy Pratt, BCBA-D, is the Director of the Indiana Resource Center for Autism located at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, Indiana's University Center for Excellence in Disabilities. Dr. Pratt serves on numerous Advisory Boards, including the Advisory Boards of Maap Services, Inc., the Temple Grandin/Eustacia Cutler Autism Fund and the College Internship Program and coordinates AUCD's Autism Special Interest Group (SIG). Dr. Pratt has been honored by the Autism Society with the Individual Achievement Award, with the Princeton Fellowship Award, and with various awards through NYFAC (New York Families for Autistic Children, Inc.), including recognition from the United States House of Representatives.