OP-ED: Local Autism Advocate

Note: The following is an op-ed piece from the office of State Senator Katherine Clark:

This session I have been fortunate for the opportunity to work with a high school student from Melrose who has been a dedicated advocate on issues affecting the Autism community in Massachusetts and around the country. Lydia Brown, who just graduated from high school this spring, has used her personal experience to serve as an effective leader on legislation in the Massachusetts State House. 

This session, I filed legislation drafted by Lydia that targets autism awareness among law enforcement.  This bill would establish within the recruit basic training curriculum a course for regional and municipal police training schools for the training of law enforcement officers and correction officers in the Commonwealth. The curriculum would include guidelines for appropriate interactions with individuals with ASD, as well as guidelines for law enforcement’s response to ASD individuals who are victims, witnesses or suspects of a crime. The legislation has gained the support of many in the local law enforcement community as well as advocates for supports for those on the autism spectrum.

Autism affects 1 in 110 children and 1 in 70 boys.  This rate is higher than the rates of childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined.  National statistics show that the rate of autism is increasing between 10 and 17 percent each year with an estimated 1.5 million diagnosed cases in the United States.   

One of my priorities during this budget season was ensuring adequate funding on behalf of the Autism Spectrum Disorder community. These individuals have symptoms that range from mild to very severe and maintaining funding for these services is critical. As the rate of ASD cases continues to increase, we must invest in the important programs and services helping many children and adults statewide.  It is critical that we continue this advocacy as we recognize the increasing severity of the growing number of ASD cases in Massachusetts and around the country. 

Through hard work and inspiration, Lydia has already made a difference for those with autism and challenged Beacon Hill to the same.