Children with Autism & Interrealted Health Issues

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- One in 88 children has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A new study by a University of Missouri researcher found that many children with ASD also experience anxiety, chronic gastrointestinal (GI) problems and atypical sensory responses, which are heightened reactions to light, sound or particular textures. These problems appear to be highly related and can have significant effects on children’s daily lives, including their functioning at home and in school.

Health Care Disparities for Children with ASD

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) require an array of specialized health care services. With these services come higher costs for parents and insurance providers. University of Missouri researchers compared costs and types of services for children with ASD to costs and services for children with other conditions like asthma or diabetes. The researchers found children with ASD paid more for health care than children with other conditions. In addition, children with ASD used more services yet had less access to specialized care"

Supported Employments Makes Gains in Missouri

It may take a blend of public and private support, a dash or two of creativity, courage, and a little extra training to overcome obstacles, but supported employment for people with disabilities is beginning to gain ground in Missouri. According to the 2008 Missouri State Rehabilitation Council Report, the annual income of persons with disabilities who were assisted in obtaining community-based competitive employment increased by $46 million in 2008. And it's good for the economy as well -- every dollar spent in Missouri on supported employment returns $1.03 to taxpayers.

College Students Provide Sensory Movie Screening for Children on the Spectrum

Don't usually pick up stories from college papers - but having spent many a morning, day and night working at "the maneater," the student paper at the University of Missouri, I couldn't pass this one up. It does seem that more communities are providing these sensory screenings.

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- For most children with autism, trips to the local movie theater are difficult because of sensitivity to light and sound and anxiety in large social situations. This past Saturday, several University of Missouri students organized a sensory screening for children with autism.
The viewing of "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs," which took place Saturday at Hollywood Theaters, used lower volume, a moderated temperature and kept the theatre lights on. All these precautions were taken to accommodate the hypersensitive senses associated with the disorder.