The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated the prevalence of ASD among children aged 8 years was 1 in 44 in the U.S. (Maenner et al., 2021).  The CDC continues to work to find out how many children have ASD, discover the risk factors, and raise awareness of the signs (http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html).

Currently, we do not know how many Oklahomans have ASD. Our best guess is based on information the Oklahoma State Department of Education gathers about children receiving special education services through their annual child count.  Through the annual child count, children are identified in one of 13 categories, including Autism.  In 2017, 6,647 (5.9% of all children receiving special education) children aged 3-21 years were identified under the autism category.  This number does not include children with ASD who are served under another category, children with ASD who are not receiving special education services through the local public school, or those under age 3 or over age 21.

1 in 44 Children | Boys 4 times more likely than girls

One of the best ways to better understand autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is to learn directly from autistic individuals.  Below we share the perspective of several autistic individuals about moving beyond awareness and living with autism.  

The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network 

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network seeks to advance the principles of the disability rights movement with regard to autism. ASAN believes that the goal of autism advocacy should be a world in which autistic people enjoy equal access, rights, and opportunities. ASAN works to empower autistic people across the world to take control of their own lives and the future of our common community and seeks to organize the autistic community to ensure their voices are heard in the national conversation about us. Nothing About Us, Without Us!  https://autisticadvocacy.org/

Autism Level Up
Autism Level Up is a partnership between Dr. Amy Laurent, psychologist, researcher, and ed. consultant and Dr. Jacquelyn Fede, an autistic researcher and program evaluator.  They challenge us all to move beyond awareness to acceptance, appreciation, empowerment, and advocacy.  Read Dr. Laurent and Dr. Fede's  article about how we can all Level Up!  You can also find Autism Level Up on facebook.

Alex Manners
Alex Manners is a young adult with Asperger's who lives in the UK.  He has created a very positive video blog about living with Asperger's during the COVID-19 lockdown.  His daily blog includes some ideas for managing day to day life under our current world circumstances.

Dr. Temple Grandin
One of the most famous autistic individuals is Dr. Temple Grandin.  Over the years Dr. Grandin has written many books on what it is like to have autism, and on what works best for autistic individuals.   You can find her books online.  You can also watch the movie "Temple Grandin" to gain insight into what it is like to have autism.  

In 2002, the Individuals with Autism and Their Families, Oklahoma Plan outlined a plan for moving the state forward in research, services, and supports for people with autism and their family.  The Oklahoma Family and Interagency Autism Council continue to oversee implementation and updates to the plan.   Awareness and knowledge of autism and availability of services, supports, and community based programs has increased since that time.  Progress has been made, but we still have much work to do to better support the growing number of individuals with autism and their families in Oklahoma.

April is a great time to come together to make forward progress related to supporting individuals with autism and their families in our state.  You can participate in a variety of ways in your local community.   If you are a person with autism or a family member of someone with autism, share your story with friends when you speak with them or on social media.   If you are an extended family member or professional, share what you know about autism with your friends, family, place of employment, or other community organizations.  Increasing awareness is the first step, then we move forward from there to acceptance, appreciation, empowerment, and advocacy (see Autism Level Ups article above) with the ultimate goal of creating more opportunities for individuals with autism and their families in Oklahoma.

The Annual Autism Advocacy Day at the Oklahoma State Capitol is set each year in early April. Many organizations are represented at the Oklahoma State Capitol for all who want to learn about autism policy and advocacy opportunities.  The day typically includes presentations from various speakers, along with resource tables for participants to learn about various resources in the state.

The event is located at the Oklahoma State Capitol, 2nd-floor rotunda.  No registration is required.

This event is hosted by the Oklahoma Autism Network, Autism Foundation of Oklahoma, AutismOklahoma.org, Oklahoma Autism Center, Oklahoma Family Network, Arc of Oklahoma, Autistic Adults of Oklahoma, and the Pervasive Parenting Center.

Contact your legislators and in a positive way share your story.  Legislators appreciate hearing from their constituents and learning more about how autism has touched your family.  Take a few minutes to call, email or visit your legislators.   Share your child and family story, along with needs related to your child's education or care.

To order yours, visit the Oklahoma Tax Commission