Events, Conferences, and Health / Poverty Statistics
UPCOMING AUTISM AND PDD CONFERENCES and EVENTS
These contacts have revolving information of conferences, workshops, direct assistance, and other resources:
Future Horizons 800-489-0727
www.FutureHorizons-autism.com
info@FutureHorizons-autism.com
rstatman@thearcoftexas.org
Life Resource Center
281-444-1781
Future Horizons also hosts conferences and that info can be accessed through the banner on the bookstore page of this site.
STATISTICS, MYTHS, & FACTS
Based on the newest and largest nationally stratified study, 1 in 150 are Autistic. Compound that scientifically substantiated finding with the finding that 23% Texan children / 19% American children are living in poverty without adequate therapeutic/medical services due to economic obstacles. In short, services currently offered in schools and clinics don't even begin to touch the surface of the needs of individuals living with PDD/ASD.
MYTH: Autism is automatically covered by state and federal benefit programs.
Tragic Truth: 13,243 of the estimated 1.2 million children of active-duty military personnel have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Only 1,374, though, are qualified to receive treatment under the extended care arm of the federal healthcare program TRICARE. A congressionally mandated hybrid of both military and civilian medical services, TRICARE is the military's healthcare program for active-duty service members, retirees, and their families.Source: Schafer Autism Report December, 2008
WORSE TRUTH: Unless an autistic person has overwhelming diagnostic verification of mental retardation or other strong evidence of disability, along with his/her PDD diagnoses, he/she will likely have difficulty in obtaining adequate state/federal benefits to assist his/her therapeutic advances beyond the minimum services offered in the schools. Many if not most autistic individuals are left with no benefits whatsoever and if economically disadvantaged, therapeutic interventions do not occur at the level that is necessary.
The |
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United States Families in Poverty |
13% |
Children in Poverty | 19% |
Families with Incomes at or below 200% of the Poverty Level | 31% |
Uninsured | 15% |
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Texas
Families in Poverty | 16% |
Children in Poverty | 23% |
Families with Incomes at or below 200% of the Poverty Level | 37% |
Uninsured | 24% |
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