Autism syndrome is a complicated disorder which affects every race, ethnic group and socioeconomic status and it can be diagnosed in children as 18 months old. A parent becomes concerned when his child may lack eye contact, be deaf or avoids interacting with others and by going to a doctor he will learn that he has a child with autism syndrome. A child can show this behaviors after birth or when he grows older.



Parents and care givers must ensure a brighter future for the children with autism syndrome because there are clear social disparities in healthcare and education. Studies have consistently reported black autistic children were diagnosed later or received more misdiagnoses than whites. If the children have different colors that doesn't mean that autism syndrome symptoms are different.

Behavior treatments and enrollment in a classroom are available for all children with autism syndrome including black children. Whites are more likely than African-American children with autism syndrome to see the same doctor.

If a African-American family has a child with autism syndrome and have lower incomes or limited education they will have more difficulty in taking him to a doctor and we know that early diagnosis and early intervention is critical for a better prognosis.

Minority children with autism syndrome experience unnecessary isolation from their non disabled peers. Also, African-American students are twice likely ass white students to be educated in a restrictive and separate educational setting.

We can start to overturn these disparities by helping African-Americans with autism syndrome to reach their full potential. Parents and caregivers have an important role, meaning that they must be persistent and get their child's healthcare providers to listen and act in response to their concerns.

It is also important for parents to know their child's rights and to learn about the federal special education laws and state regulations and make sure that their child with autism syndrome receives an individualized education plan.

Every child with autism syndrome has the right to a free and appropriate public education. There are advocacy and educational advocates accessible to help you get this program. Another way to make your voice be heard and to help your child with autism syndrome is by joining a national autism organization and get involved.

There are local parent support group meeting to learn what issues are important and what steps are necessary to address to your children. There are also local and congressional lawmakers and if you call or write to them to report your issues and concerns they will help you and your children with autism syndrome.

We must know that autism syndrome is not hopeless and parents aren't either and for that we can advocate for our loved owns and for all the persons with autism syndrome.