Autism Funding Dilemma Cited by QSAC in today’s Guardian

NEW YORK - Sept. 3, 2015 - PRLog -- New York, NY – September 3, 2015 – “More than $1bn has been spent over the past decade to identify the possible causes of autism – but that is not an achievement that has me celebrating,” wrote Gary Maffei, Executive Director and CEO of the U.S. non-profit Quality Services for the Autism Community (QSAC) in an op-ed in today’s Guardian. “I wish some of those funds would have been allocated to support direct services. That would have had a much greater impact on the children and adults living with autism today.”

Maffei goes on to cite evidence within Steve Silberman’s new book, Neurotribes (Avery, 2015). Silberman’s book (with a forward by the late neurologist Oliver Sacks) argues that today research continues to eclipse support services, despite evidence supporting positive results achieved by the latter. Nearly all recent U.S. government grants this year are centered on “environmental contributors” and “risk” factors linked to autism, as well as treatments and potential “cures.” Maffei and Silberman argue in favor of prioritizing vital educational, residential and support services for children and adults with autism.

“It’s no longer a question of the missing piece in the puzzle,” Maffei wrote, “but rather whether we are willing to invest in the building blocks that will support every child and adult with autism in achieving his or her full potential.”

Currently, 1 in 68 children has autism, according to the CDC. Each year across the globe, the number of those diagnosed with autism or related disorders continues to grow. QSAC, a leader in services for people with autism in the Greater New York City area, serves over 2,000 children and adults. Programs include early intervention, preschool, school, after school, in-home educational and support services, supportive living and skill development programs.

In addition to its regular programs, QSAC organizes special events such as its upcoming annual Next Steps 5K charity walk/run on Saturday, October 3, 2015 at Astoria Park in Queens (for more info on this and other events, contact Pat Barrientos at 212.244.5560, Ext. 2015).

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects the development of areas of the brain that control communication, social interaction and sensory development.

For more information: David Moore, david.moore@qsac.com, 212.244.5560, Ext. 2067.