Study shows a lack social services for autistic children after graduation

A study recently published in the journal Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine shows that there is a lack of services for autistic individuals after they graduate high school, BusinessWeek reports.

Researchers found that approximately 40 percent of young adults with autism receive no medical, mental health or case management services to assist them in making the transition to the real world.

Moreover, autistic African-Americans and low-income patients were three times less likely to receive any services compared to upper-income Caucasians. Researchers said that even though the focus on early intervention is important, autism is a lifelong disorder and there is a need to improve life for individuals in adulthood.

They added that the ability to succeed at social interaction and communication may be necessary to gain employment, college entrance, job training and community participation.

Therapeutic boarding schools can offer cognitive therapy to autistic children, which may help improve their speech and social interaction.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 1 in 110 children are diagnosed with autism each year.