No. 1 in autism
This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Autism is a significant problem for Utah, which has the nation's highest rate of autism. This problem cannot be ignored.
In 2010, Utah experienced 52,164 new births. Using The Tribune's reported figure of 1 in 47 Utah children being diagnosed on the autism spectrum, that's 1,109 new children every year — about two elementary schools.
Utah has a significant problem. If a child is diagnosed and treatment starts prior to 3 years of age, autism is treatable.
While there are pilot programs, what's been done to date is simply a Band-Aid. If these Utah children are to be productive citizens, a comprehensive, long-term treatment program is necessary.
John K. Hill
Cedar City