November 18, 2009

2005 Pennsylvania Autism Census Project: Final Report

The report was written by David Mandell, ScD., and Lindsay Lawer, MS, both of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Center for Mental Health Policy and Services Research for the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare (DPW) Bureau of Autism Services (BAS). The researchers sought to conduct a census of the number of people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders in Pennsylvania. BAS sought the census and demographic characteristics that would reveal the scope of need for autism-specific services and programs and to guide policy development and service design. The researchers reviewed 2005 data from DPW, county mental health/mental retardation and human services programs, children and youth offices, early intervention programs, HealthChoices, county behavioral health agencies, and the United States Department of Education's Rehabilitation Services Administration. The 2005 data is the most current, complete data set.