The reason for the high rate in Oregon? Educational labeling due to a lack of the requirement of medical assessment prior to special services enrollment in schools. Our students are being labeled Autistic when in fact they have other diagnosis. And kids who are not autistic but are misdiagnosed and labeled as so keep kids who are Autistic from getting Services.
Another reason is families and autistic individuals relocating here to take advantage of the many services and resources Oregon offers Autistics and other disabled individuals, as well as those on a fixed income. We have it much more well here than most of the rest if the country. We have Disability Rights Oregon, the disabilities commission, Autism Society Of Oregon, Mindfreedom, NAMI, and we are starting an ASAN Chapter. Oregon also has two brokerage Service Organizations, which employ providers to assist those with Developmental Disabilities with life skills and community inclusion. Full Access is probably better networked with the disability world, but their providers are becomming too busy to meet with some clients in a timely manner. I have been with Mentor Oregon Mid Valley Brokerage since relocating to Eugene in 2009. I was transferred from Full Access due to Full Access being full. Understandable for this large and growing area, but they could build more offices and expand as needed. And I couldn't be more happy to be with Mentor. It's the best move ever made on Full Access' Part (Chuckle :). I have gotten further than a lot of clients do with Full Access. They found some great people for me to work with. I am networked with the community more, have a new chapter, more volunteering, etc., thanks to a wonderful Peer Support Specialist they found for me. I'm getting healthier as well. Don't get me wrong Full Access has a lot of great resources, just overly busy. I forgot to mention I even have a basic fishing license from Mentor. And they pay for the Autism Camp through a contract as well.
We have a bronze medal-winning bus system as well as many taxi services, as well as RideSource for those who cannot handle the buses. Transportation means a lot to non-driving autistics and others and helps them get around. LTD transports those in Wheelchairs, hover chairs, scooters, walkers, etc. If you are with a brokerage, you can get an Annual Bus Pass (paid for by the brokerage) versus the standard monthly and 3 month passes. Brokerages offer taxi services if needed too.
We also have many great food banks as well as push nutrition and its benefits, both on life and the digestive tract, which is important for Autists. Many have digestive issues and we have a great selection of gluten/casein free and soy, etc. free options. Lane County alone has four wonderful health food stores. Here we teach cooking classes to help individuals eat healthier and how to get the most out of their food benefits.
And speaking of food, how many states have a Food Organization dedicated to putting nutrition into their citizens' stomachs? Not many. Food for Lane County has a local dining room, which is free for people to eat at. And the quality and quantity of the food probably tops most other soup kitchens in this country. The Mission is great as well. Many churches provide lunches, etc. as well. This helps stretch our food at home some also.
With the services and resources as well as the ease of getting into special education services, Oregon is experiencing a population boom among Autistic individuals, etc. like never before and the numbers will continue to rise with time.
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