Ind. Commission on Autism to meet Wed.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Indiana schools could get new directives to help meet the needs of students diagnosed with autism. Autism is now the fastest growing developmental disorder in the U.S., and some state lawmakers say schools need a new plan to deal with challenges from the rising rate.

Autism now affects one in every 88 babies born in the U.S. In Indiana, one in every 83 babies are now born with the disorder, though one in every 54 boys are now reported to be born as autistic. More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined, according to the advocacy organization Autism Speaks.

Some state lawmakers say those rapidly rising rates mean schools need to plan ahead.

According to reports delivered to the Indiana Commission on Autism last month, 82 percent of Indiana autistic children attend public schools. A recent survey showed just 51 percent of their parents say their child’s education at those schools has been "satisfactory" or “very satisfactory.”

School districts are required by law to create education plans to meet the needs of every student with a disability. But some advocates argue that special education budgets are among the first to be cut when money gets tight. They say that can mean public schools don’t keep up with growing needs of autistic students.

Doctors say treating the disorder at an earlier age is becoming even more critical.

“A lot of these kids need services when they're 2, not when they're 5,” said Cleveland Clinic autism expert Dr. Thomas Frazier. “If you get them services when they're 5, will it help them? Absolutely. They'll improve and get better assuming the services are right with them. But, if we capture them at 2, we can make a huge difference in their trajectory--in their ability to engage in the daily living activities they need to do--whether it be school or functional stuff, adaptive stuff, like getting things done at home, putting their shoes on, getting their coat, listening to their parents."

Autism experts agree that with early intervention, children with the disorder can successfully attend mainstream kindergarten and beyond. The key, Frazier says, is tailoring programs to fit individual needs.

Federal funding is available for autism programs, but state lawmakers will talk over whether new state funding will be needed as well.

At last month’s Commission hearing, doctors also stressed that emergency personnel need new training on how to deal with autistic patients. Parents may also need training on what signs to look for, Frazier said.

“Is the child responding to their name when they're called, or is their response really weak? You might have to raise your voice or get in front of them and get their attention. When you need their attention, do they actually look at you, or look through you and briefly look away? These are things to look for,” he said.

Autism often flares up in high stress situations. Recent research shows things like uniforms, flashing lights and sirens can be highly disturbing to an autistic person, and can even cause aggressive reactions. Many emergency responders have not been trained to recognize why.

The disorder can also cause problems for rescuers. Autistic persons tend to hide from first responders, experts say, rather than seeing them as someone who can help. A lack of autism awareness can also increase the amount of time it takes to locate and help someone with autism during an emergency, the Commission was told.

Wednesday’s hearing before the Commission begins at 1 p.m. at the Statehouse.