Autism remains a concern of parents the world over. In the United States alone, approximately one of every 54 children will land on the autism spectrum, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network. Parents need somewhere to turn for assistance when their child is diagnosed with this disorder, as early treatment has been shown to help these individuals.
Sadly, these figures show autism spectrum disorders continue to rise. In 2000, only one in 150 children received this diagnosis. As a result of the increase, more centers are needed to help parents receive the highest level of care for their child. This is where the Geoff Fraser Clear Choice Health Care facility comes in.
No Group Remains Unaffected
Parents need to recognize that autism spectrum disorder strikes all races, ethnic groups, and socioeconomic groups. Researchers looked at non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, and Asian/Pacific Islander children and found similar rates across all groups. However, Hispanic children appeared to be less at risk of being diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.
When looking at all groups, approximately one-third of the children diagnosed with one of these disorders were found to have an intellectual disability as well. Nevertheless, certain states have higher rates than others. For example, one in 32 children at the age of eight in the state of New Jersey have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Compare this to Colorado where only one in 32 children at the age of eight received this diagnosis.
Gender
Researchers did find autism spectrum disorders remain more common in boys than in girls. In fact, rates are four times higher in males. Nevertheless, girls appear to be more at risk of having an intellectual disability than boys. Race does appear to play a role in the time of diagnosis though, and this could impact the child’s progress in the future.
Non-Hispanic black children with an intellectual disability tend to be diagnosed later than their non-Hispanic white peers. Parents must recognize this and have their child examined right away if they see any signs of an autism spectrum disorder. Early intervention tends to improve outcomes for these children.
Other Developmental Disabilities
Seventeen percent of children between the ages of three and 17 were diagnosed by a medical professional with a developmental disability, according to their parents. They examined these children between 2009 and 2017 and found the range of diagnoses included attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, cerebral palsy, autism, and blindness. Identification of these disorders needs to be early and equitable to allow for early intervention and better outcomes for all racial groups, ethnicities, socioeconomic groups, and genders.
Jeff Cleveland and Geoff Fraser came together to support the Scott Center as early treatment remains a concern for them. Cleveland has a daughter on the autism spectrum and Fraser wanted to support him, as they are business partners in a health-care management company. He has personally seen how important care is for those on the spectrum. Cleveland’s father-in-law was instrumental in the founding of the center and Jeff carries on his work today. This work benefits countless children and allows them to have a higher quality of life.
