Pennsylvania Releases First Autism Census Report

On November 18, 2009 Governor Edward G. Rendell announced the release of Pennsylvania’s Autism Census Report. Joined by DPW Secretary Estelle Richman, Bureau of Autism Services Director Nina Wall-Cote, Representative Dennis O’Brien and members of the Autism Caucus, Governor Rendell praised the Census Report, saying it is the “first of its kind.”

In 2005, an estimated 20,000 Pennsylvanians were living with autism. The report predicts the number will grow to at least 25,000 by 2010. While the number of children diagnosed continues to rise, the report details an expected dramatic increase in the number of adults with autism. According to the report:

• In 2005, more than 1,400 Pennsylvania adults were living with autism – just over seven percent of the total autism population in the state.
• That number is expected to increase by 179 percent to more than 3,800 in 2010 and to more than 10,000 by 2015.

Governor Rendell called the Census Report a “roadmap” for Pennsylvania to use as it plans treatment and services options for the future. He praised Secretary Richman, the Bureau of Autism Services, service providers and the advocacy community for the work that has been done to date in the passage of the autism insurance bill, the development of the autism waiver for adults and the ACAP (Adult Community Autism Program) but stated, “I don’t want you to think we are satisfied with where we are…we know we need to continue making progress.”

Governor Rendell referenced the $19.5M in state funds appropriated in this year’s budget to fund autism services, and committed to working with all gubernatorial candidates on the issue so they are aware of what has been accomplished in Pennsylvania and what challenges lie ahead.

Secretary Richman told reporters that because of its innovative services and its philosophy of “listening to families,” “Pennsylvania really has become a state people want to move to.” She cited the need for early intervention, as well as adult services since, “there is nothing magical that makes [autism] disappear at the age of 18 or 21

BAS Director Nina Wall-Cote praised the Census Report but reminded the media that its findings did “raise more questions” since it didn’t reflect the number of adults on the autism spectrum who are misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all. She said the Report and its findings confirmed that, “We are at the very beginning here,” and a number of individuals will need adult autism services in the near future.

For more information regarding the autism waiver or ACAP, go to: http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/ServicesPrograms/Autism/

To search for autism waiver or ACAP service providers near you, you can visit the PAR Services Network at www.par.net/searchforservices.