April is World Autism Month, and we want to take a moment to thank all of the people who make an impact on autism every day. From parents and caregivers to therapists and educators, your dedication and hard work are essential to helping autistic individuals live fulfilling lives.
While we have made great progress in understanding autism, there is still much work to be done. One of the biggest challenges we face is speeding up access to care. Far too many autistic individuals still do not have the support they need due to supply and demand imbalances.
Another crucial area that needs attention is improving reimbursement rates for frontline workers. We must ensure that these essential workers are paid a decent wage and that reimbursement rates allow for this. Additionally, we need to come together and agree on appropriate outcome measures for people with autism and their families.
It is also essential to listen to the voices of autistic individuals and let their experiences shape the way that we help them grow. We must reduce in-fighting and engage in meaningful dialogue to help bring together groups within the field that don’t see eye-to-eye.
At BHCOE, we are committed to addressing these challenges and finding solutions. We thank our customers who support us every day in this important work. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of autistic individuals and their families.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership.
Sincerely,
Sara Litvak, MA, BCBA
Chief Executive Officer, Behavioral Health Center of Excellence