Dear Friends and Colleagues:
April is Autism Awareness Month and New York is joining the rest of the country in recognizing the unique talents and contributions of individuals with Autism. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a pervasive developmental disorder affecting 1 in 68 children in the United States and is the fastest growing developmental disability in the U.S. It is five times more likely to occur in boys than girls.
Individuals diagnosed with ASD have great potential for achievement in many areas, including the arts. Two such examples are Adrian Esposito, a young filmmaker with several films already under his belt including “Different And Normal – My Life with Asperger’s Syndrome”, “Aging Trees of Knowledge”, and his latest, “Bury My Heart With Tonawanda” among others; and Jeremiah Iheoma, a 5th Grader who has written a children’s book called “My Super Life with Autism” about the abilities he has that he considers “super powers.” Jeremiah’s story is highlighted on page 4 of the Spring edition of the OPWDD’s quarterly People First News newsletter.
At OPWDD, each individual’s needs and life goals are addressed through a person-centered planning process which enables individuals to live, work and participate in the community in a way that respects their unique choices and preferences. This approach empowers individuals with ASD as well as those with other developmental disabilities to utilize their own talents and abilities in the most integrated settings.
Numerous scientific studies are taking place at the Institute for Basic Research for Developmental Disabilities (IBR), the research division of OPWDD, to understand ASD at the genetic level as well as to provide early detection in an effort to provide needed supports as early as possible.
Some of these initiatives include:
· Identifying a gene that predicts the severity of ASD
· Studying the relationship between Fragile X Syndrome and ASD
· Researching the pathogenesis of ASD at the cellular/molecular level
· Developing the Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Behavior Inventory (PDD-BI)
· Conducting a school-based program that provides individualized functional behavioral assessment and intervention for challenging behaviors
· Studying the possible role of excessive folic acid supplementation on Autism
In addition, OPWDD provides an Autism Platform on our website that reflects our ongoing commitment to prepare our service system for the needs of people diagnosed with ASD and represents important activities in the areas of training, sharing information, service system enhancement and research.
On World Autism Awareness Day, April 2, Autism Speaks celebrates its international Light It Up Blue Campaign. I encourage you to participate on social media by posting a photo or sentence about how you are lighting it up blue and don’t forget to tag your post with #LIUB and #OPWDD.
I hope that you will join me this month in recognizing the possibilities for individuals with ASD to self-direct, explore and inspire us all.
Sincerely,
Kerry A. Delaney
Acting Commissioner