Opinion Editorial: Autism – Needed Action to Combat a Crisis

Despite Utah having the third highest rate of autism in the United States, many don’t seem to think it is necessary to broaden Utah’s scope of autism awareness, research and action programs to help those affected by the disease.
Autism is a serious condition, effecting thousands of Utahans. In February of 2007 the Center for Disease Control (CDC) said one in every 133 children born in Utah will be autistic. Yet Utah legislators haven’t taken any action or reacted in any way to the new data. No bills have been introduced, and it seems no steps are being taken to respond to the crisis.
There also seems to be more of an interest among the general public in defining exactly what causes autism, or trying to come up with a reason why Utah has such a high rate of the disease. These fruitless attempts to find an explanation detract from the more pertinent and needed actions of early detection and programs that will help those affected by the disorder. All this energy is wasted and still there has not been a scientific study to pin down a cause for the disease.
Yet still so many of the discussions surrounding autism speculate into immunizations as the definite cause. This is ridiculous hearsay backed up by nothing more than pessimistic speculation. According to the Center for Disease Control, “The weight of currently available scientific evidence does not support the hypothesis that vaccines cause autism.”
According to the CDC autism is a group of developmental disabilities defined by significant impairments in social interaction and communication and presence of unusual behaviors and interests.
New Jersey, the state with the highest rate of autism, is already taking steps in the right direction, unlike Utah. A set of new bills will establish a statewide autism registry, restructure a state research and treatment council, train teachers in autism awareness, instruct physicians in early detection, create the task force on adult autism and provide money for research and treatment.
“As of February 2007, the Centers for Disease Control identified New Jersey as having the highest rate of autism incidence in the nation,” said New Jersey Senator Loretta Weinberg. “With our increased understanding of the spectrum of autism disorders comes the increased responsibility of providing a support system for families and individuals living with autism.”
This heightened sense of responsibility needs to be spanned across the nation, especially in those states with the highest rates. While there is no cure for the disease, intensive therapies including behavioral, occupational, speech and physical show promise in lessening the severity of the symptoms.
This is where the focus needs to be, this is where the successes will come. Speculating into different causes without scientific reasoning, and ignoring the severity of the issue is what our state doesn’t need. Our apathy on this issue will only make things worse. It is in your hands.