Autism diagnosis can cause other special needs to be ‘neglected’ #spd

Autism is a complex developmental disability; signs typically appear during early childhood and affect a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. There has been a sharp increase in the number of students diagnosed with autism over the last few years. Experts say this is because of overly simplistic assessments performed by local school systems attempting to save money by not paying for specialized therapist assessments.

The spokesperson added that inspectors said the young people they met felt “happy, safe and well-cared for” but there was “much more to do” in the face of a rising demand for services.
~ Jess Staufenberg

Autism is complex and comes through in different ways.

An assessment of autism can sometimes lead to other specific learning issues, such as speech, language, mobility and auditory problems, not being given the proper attention and treatment. Therefore, some parents are appealing these local diagnoses and have taken the unusual step of paying for “proper” assessments themselves, which can be very expensive.

Key Takeaways:

1
Over the last four years, autism diagnosis has become more common.
2
With a lack of funds in school budgets, it is hard to make a safe space for a child with autism.
3
Slowly but surely, schools are beginning to add what it needs to teach all students equally.