Autism Really a ‘Public Health Crisis?

Looking Through the California Blue Ribbon Commission’s Report on Autism

Abstract

The California Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism’s September, 2007 report identified Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as a ‘public health crisis’ and ‘epidemic’ recommending an “Office of ASD” under Public Health. The Commission also said that health plans should provide “full…” services for ASD. With this, the Commission set the groundwork for a potential misdirection of public health funding, increased litigation, and unnecessary competition between families and providers of children with special needs. Though the report acknowledges that honest differences exist, it then incorrectly asserts that each has equal relevance. Rather than a ‘public health crisis,’ autism should be viewed as a crisis of instruction requiring better coordination of available services and existing knowledge with targeted support for schools, families and community providers.