The Autism Community: Coming Together for Change

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 in 88 children will be diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.  The increased incidence of autism and related disorders is astounding.  When I started working as a music therapist in the early 90s, the prevalence figures were much less.  There were fewer supports for individuals with autism and their families.  More families had a sense of isolation.

With the increase of the incidence of autism, there is also an increase in the number of individuals and families impacted by this lifelong disability.  Early this morning, I volunteered for the Autism Speaks walk in Chicago.  Hundreds of volunteers, numerous organizations, and thousands of individuals with autism and their families and friends all convened at Soldier Field in Chicago to respond to the need to bring attention and dollars to this very important cause. 

As with many charity walks, people form teams.  The teams make t-shirts and carry signs in support of their friend of family member with autism.  Some of the teams were 50+ members strong.  It was wonderful seeing so many people rally around individuals and their families.  Families that many years ago would likely have felt very much alone are now surrounded with their friends and family.  Families are now surrounded by organizations and a promise for resources that will lead to on-going research and support.

There has been a dramatic change in the autism community over the years that is representative of the larger changes in disability culture.  There is a tone of empowerment and a demand for continued change.  The people that will see the benefit of this cultural shift are the many individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

Autism Speaks.  www.autismspeaks.org

New Data on Autism Spectrum Disorders. (March 29, 2012).  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/Features/CountingAutism/