Thursday, April 12, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Discusses Plan to Help Families Facing Autism with St. Louis Students, Parents
ST. LOUIS– Gov. Matt Blunt today visited Giant Steps of St. Louis, an Autism care and education facility, where he discussed his plan to help Missouri families facing autism by more than doubling the state's funding for autism diagnosis and treatment. The governor's visit to Giant Steps comes during National Autism Awareness Month.
"My budget recommendation includes nearly $4 million to help reduce waiting lists and offer needed assistance to families struggling with Autism," Governor Blunt said. "Early diagnosis and intervention is the key to success when it comes to developmental disabilities such as autism. I appreciate the work that Giant Steps is doing in the St. Louis area to help autistic children improve their learning potential and life skills."
The governor's budget includes a $3.9 million increase to focus on diagnosis and improvements to autism treatment.
"We are pleased that Governor Blunt has shown a real interest in autism and is visiting Giant Steps. We believe his visit to our school is recognition of a very successful program and the importance of providing educational opportunities to an ever increasing population," said Bob Wallace, president of the board for Giant Steps of St. Louis and executive vice president and general counsel for the St. Louis Rams. "Early intervention and integrative educational approaches that recognize the different learning abilities is critical to making a difference in these children's lives. We applaud the Governor's interest and concern."
Giant Steps uses a mixture of therapy and education to recognize the child's sensory needs and integrate therapy into their academic curriculum. The goal for Giant Steps' students is to prepare a student to be integrated back into the classroom setting. Many of their students spend half of their day in the regular school setting and the other half at Giant Steps.
The state currently serves more than 4,200 young Missourians with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis across their lifespan, however there remains a waiting list for services. The governor's recommendation to increase funding will help expand ASD services for children. It will provide:
- $500,000 to create an intensive day treatment program at the Ozark Center in Joplin, the first of its kind in Missouri
- $2.4 million to reduce the waitlist for autism diagnosis and treatment by expanding staff and training.
- $1 million for Missouri's five autism projects.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the 6th most prevalent disability and the second most common developmental disability in the United States. Recent studies have shown that infants as early as six months may show signs of autism that could lead to early intervention. However, in an estimated 50 percent of children, disabilities remain unidentified until five years of age, when most enter kindergarten.