Connecticut families rally for more autism resources

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — For Autism Awareness Day on Monday at the Connecticut State Capitol, families dealing with disorder, along with service providers, urged for more help.

“There’s been a lack of services, treatments, therapies, diagnostics,” said Lena Esposito, a mother whose daughter was diagnosed at 4 years old.

Early diagnosis is key, but does not always happen.

“Black males, black students, boys, they often go undiagnosed, and when they are diagnosed, it’s usually much later than their white peers,” said Denise Drummond, the legislative policy analyst who ran the awareness day program.

Parents should be aware of the signs of autism.

“We actually hear from families that they initially thought their child was deaf because they may not respond to the typical prompts that families give or the typical dialogue,” said Karen Helene, the school director at Benhaven.

Benhaven runs schools, group homes and in-home services, which are very much in demand with autism diagnoses on the rise.

“Students with autism require highly trained staff, very specific teaching strategies,” Helene said.

Which requires money, something that comes down to a fight in every state budget. Those parents say all kinds of help are welcome, even simple compassion from a friend.

“Can I walk with your child? Or maybe we try to go to the movies?” Esposito said. “We are just like we are alone in the war.”

If you are concerned your child might be on the autism spectrum, there is something simple you can do. Just dial 211 and ask to be connected with autism testing services.

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