Coleen Boyle on Minneapolis autism research presented at IACC meeting on 1/14/14.

[proverbialwisdom]

5. More.

http://www.insightnews.com/health/11716-cdc-study-says-children-with-autism-could-be-diagnosed-earlier

CDC study says children with autism could be diagnosed earlier
MONDAY, 30 DECEMBER 2013 16:53

Washington, DC – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released new project findings on the prevalence rate of 1 in 32 Somali children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Minneapolis. While the report says that Somali children with ASD are more likely to have cognitive disabilities and more significant disabilities than all other racial groups, the data say that the rate of autism in the Somali population is about the same as in the white population (1 in 32 vs. 1 in 36). The report also states that children who have autism aren't identified as early as they could be.

"This new data from the CDC indicate potentially higher rates of autism spectrum disorders in distinct populations than the national numbers, clearly show that more research is needed to better understand autism, and again makes the case that additional funds must be made available for services and supports for children with autism and their families.

"The CDC continues to do important work in this area, shining a bright light on what families associated with The Arc and our chapters experience everyday – autism spectrum disorders touch so many people, of all cultures and backgrounds, and we must do more to support them to achieve their goals and to foster an inclusive society. The Arc is committed to families of all backgrounds in our efforts to serve and support people with disabilities, through our network of 700 chapters across the country," said Peter Berns, CEO of The Arc.

"About a third of individuals and families using advocacy services from The Arc Greater Twin Cities are from multicultural families," said Kim Keprios, The Arc Greater Twin Cities' chief executive officer. "We have been working hard to make connections in the Somali community because we know Somali children who have autism are not being diagnosed as early as they could be and therefore not getting critical services. Anyone who might benefit from The Arc's assistance in getting a diagnosis, receiving help with special education issues and more, is encouraged to call us at 952-920-0855 or visit www.arcgreatertwincities.org."

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http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/features/keyfinding-somali.html

New Project Findings: Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Somali and Non-Somali Children in Minneapolis

The University of Minnesota was funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Autism Speaks, and the National Institutes of Health through a cooperative agreement with the Association of University Centers on Disabilities to answer questions about the number of Somali and non-Somali children with autism spectrum disorder in Minneapolis. According to new data from the University of Minnesota, autism spectrum disorder is more common among Somali and White children than it is among other children in Minneapolis. Somali children are more likely to have both autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability than children with autism spectrum disorder in all other racial and ethnic groups in Minneapolis. Most children with autism spectrum disorder in Minneapolis are not diagnosed as early as they could be. These new data can be used to understand how autism spectrum disorder affects children differently. The data can also be used to understand where improvements can be made so that all children in Minneapolis are identified and connected to services and supports as soon as possible.

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To learn more about the Minneapolis Autism Spectrum Disorder Somali Prevalence Project and to access project resources, including materials in Somali, please visit http://rtc.umn.edu/autism/.