The following OpEd. written by The Phoenix Center Executive Director Julie Mower, was published in NorthJersey.com.
In the CDC’s December 2021 report, it was indicated that one in 44 youth nationwide live with autism; in New Jersey, the rate is one in 35. New Jersey’s rates are consistently greater than the national average — in fact, the report said New Jersey has the second highest rate of children with autism in the country.
As a professional working in special education, I found this telling.
These numbers ask why the Garden State is a desirable place to live for children with autism and their families. Is it possible that educators and doctors in other states are not as keenly able to name autism when it manifests in youth?
Read the rest of the article on northjersey.com.