if we are going to include all Spectrum, the figure is probably 1 in 150, so your regional "experts" have apparantly missed a few
Should we "out" those people on the high end who can make it with minimal supports in the name of acuracy in labeling? Or should we allow them the opportunity to avoid prejudice-inspiring labeling if theydo not need intensive services? A very difficult question to be sure...
Best guestimates at this time for prevalance are 4 in 1000 for core autism and about the same number (give or take) for all other Spectrum. The only clustering that has ever been verified is migration clustering due to the draw of better services, real or perceived. This has been roughly documented in FL, around Princeton in NJ and in certain areas of CA.
If your local experts are so self-important by their diagnostics, I should think it is time for a little guerilla activism. Do what POSSE did in Brick... organize the parents in your community to begin making a very big noise as to why your region has 30% more auties than elsewhere. Make the noise very loud, very prolonged, demand answers of your elected officials. Scream about how something in your local environment is causing your babies to be damaged. Force your National Health Ministry (or whatever name those useless jackasses go by) to come in and determine what it is that is causing your excessive rate (chemical plants in the area, nuclear dumping ground nearby, mineral springs used for tapwater with high lead, mercury in your grains as an anti-fungal agent, etc.)
You have a golden opportunity to seize this issue and turn it into something which can actually have a positive impact.
Autism is a condition which causes social isolation. First and foremost in the people on Spectrum, and secondly upon their families. Social service agencies, the schools, the medical community, the govt. all treat these families like pariahs for no good reason, using classic divide and conquer techneiques to keep us from getting answers. Defy the odds, band together and work towards improving the service offerings for your kids.
