In Monday's New York Times, “Working to Combat the Stigma of Autism” looks at the work of Autism Speaks’ New York City Korean Community Autism Project, which is designed to improve early diagnosis and intervention for autism in the city's Korean-American community.
In April, project leaders released materials designed to improve autism screening and early intervention in this community. The materials are now being distributed through local daycare centers, schools, churches and medical offices. They are also available for free download from the Autism Speaks website, here.
In the fall, project leaders will evaluate progress, looking for improvements in the community's autism awareness and related referrals of children to early intervention services.
Andy Shih, PhD, senior vice president of scientific affairs for Autism Speaks, told The New York Times, “We are trying to build a model for outreach and facilitation that would support immigrant families, minority families, to access services available from school systems and from cities and states.”
The New York City Korean Community Autism Project is part of Autism Speaks’ ongoing efforts to reduce disparities in autism care. This is also the overarching goal of Autism Speaks Early Access to Care initiative.
Autism Speaks and the Ad Council recently launched the “Maybe” campaign, a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs) designed to reach African American and Hispanic parents.