Researchers say autistic students in Tennessee not receiving enough treatment

A recent study from the Office of Research and Education Accountability in Tennessee reveals that 4,019 of the state’s students are autistic, reports The Tennessean. Experts say that since 2001, the number of children with autism has grown by more than 20 percent per year. Furthermore, the next closest rate of change for any other disability tracked by the school is nearly 7 percent, according the researchers.

Experts say that only 252 of these autistic students are receiving services that cater to their needs within the school system. Furthermore, analysts say they are concerned about the lack of services for adults. The options for treatment as children with autism age are not keeping pace.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that children with autism can exhibit symptoms such as poor eye contact, difficulty in knowing how to play with toys, lack of smiling and signs of mild hearing impairment.

Boarding schools can offer children who suffer from autism the attention they need to succeed academically and behaviorally through individualized therapy.

According to the NIMH, approximately 3 of every 1,000 children are diagnosed with autism in the U.S. each year.