January22,2013 Experts say there is a great need for applied behavioral analysts across West Virginia. The southern part of the state has no specialists.
West Virginia implemented a new law last year that covers treatment for children on the autism disorder spectrum. But experts say theres still work to be done in coverage, teacher training, and access to care.
In 2009 The National Alliance on Mental Illness released a grading scale for states. In the report, overall the NAMI said Americas mental health care system is in crisis. West Virginia was one of six states that received a failing grade while the majority didnt fair much better with a D grade.
Autism is not considered to be a mental illness but a neurological disability.
Very bright articulate young man, Stacey Jewell said. To look at him you would know nothing was wrong with him at all. He has a lot of social issues.
Jewell's 15-year-old-son Donald was diagnosed with Aspergers syndrome around the fifth grade. The disorder is currently on the autism spectrum. Its often referred to as high functioning autism. Jewell admits it was an adjustment.
I did everything that the doctor told me to do and I still had an autistic child, she said. Im not saying that I would take it back. Donald is who he is and I say this all the time I love my son I learn to love Aspergers every day, because God knows I dont want him to have it.
I hate the disease I think it drives me insane because I am not a mother of patience. If I tell my child to do something youd think OK theyre going to go do it. Donald youve got to break it down into 25 steps because thats how they are.
Jewell says her son is doing well in a general education eighth grade classroom but that wasnt always the case. She says when Donald was first diagnosed with Aspergers he was put in a fully inclusive special education classroom.