April 17, 2017

Reps. MacLachlan and Carney Help Shine Light on Autism Awareness and Acceptance

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HARTFORD- State Reps. Jesse MacLachlan and Devin Carney joined lawmakers, autism advocacy groups and families from around the state at the Capitol on Wednesday for Autism Awareness and Acceptance Day.

Rep. MacLachlan and Carney met with Alex a Westbrook resident who has Autism. L-R- Rep. Jesse MacLachlan, Linalynn Schmelzer, Alex from Vista Life Innovations, Helen Bosch from Vista Life Innovations, Rep. Devin Carney.

“Autism is one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders in the U.S., and this fact goes unknown,” said Rep. MacLachlan. “Increasing awareness and acceptance of autism is much needed throughout our state and country. I will continue to work with my colleagues to help those diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.”

“Engaging in conversation, spreading awareness and spending time with advocates and families is so critical in supporting those with autism,” said Rep. Carney. “Research indicates that early detection and diagnosis significantly impacts the progress of individuals affected by autism and can reverse symptoms. Spreading awareness and acceptance is an effort that we must continue.”

Later in the day, Reps. MacLachlan and Carney voted in favor of a bill to have police officers trained on techniques for handling incidents involving juveniles with intellectual or developmental disabilities, including Autism.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) encompass complex neurobiological disorders that affect one’s ability to communicate and relate to others. In addition to autism, diagnoses of Asperger’s Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder are recognized as being on the “spectrum”.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 68 children (or 14.7 per 1,000 eight-year-olds) in multiple communities in the United States has been identified with ASD. This new estimate is roughly 30 percent higher than previous estimates reported in 2012 of 1 in 88 children (11.3 per 1,000 eight year olds) being identified with ASD.

According to Autism Speaks costs a family $60,000 on average.

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