INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 14 (UPI) -- The higher-than-expected incidence of U.S. autism is not a surprise to special-education staff and autism advocates, says a special-education expert.
"We have seen the rates of autism increase dramatically over the last seven years," says Dr. John Somers of the University of Indianapolis. "Schools are reeling today to accommodate the needs of the increasing number of children diagnosed with autism."
The rise in autism cases puts intense pressure on schools to meet the needs of autistic children, according to Somers.
"Because students with autism embody a multitude of needs and services such as special education teachers, speech-language pathologists, physical and occupational therapists, etc., the increase is overwhelming and we do not have enough school personnel trained in this area to deliver much needed services."
Autism is readily identifiable as a neurological disorder and, while no parent wants their child to have medical problems, autism is a more "comfortable" diagnosis because it carries fewer stigmas than a diagnosis of other disorders such as mental retardation or emotional disability, according to Somers.
