How many are hidden?

by Kristina Chew · 2009-05-07 14:30:00 UTC
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Answers Inc., is a "support, resources, training and advocacy for about 150 parents and caregivers of autistic people who range in age from 3 to 53" started in 2007 by now 50-year-old Debra Vines, whose son Jason Harlan is 21 and on the autism spectrum and described in the May 6th Chicago Tribune notes that Answers Inc. especially seeks to help families in the minority community:

"The unique thing about the Answer is that we have been able to reach out to minority families that lack the resources to get adequate help for their children," Vines said.

"I know there are many autistic children and adults in the black community that are kept hidden because their caregivers can't deal with people's reactions."

Vines' statement makes me wonder---how many autistic children and adults might there be in minority communities who are "kept hidden"---cared for by their families without "official" report of their diagnosis, in no small part out of fear and suspicion of social services who might (it's worried, however inaccurately) take away a child?

Hoping that organizations like Vines's Answers Inc. can start, yes, providing some answers.

Kristina Chew
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