THE ADVOCATE Newsletter of The Baltimore County Bar Association VOLUME XXV, NO. 8
February 2016
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE by Hon. Vicki Ballou-Watts Itineris, Inc: - Helping Families Chart a Journey to Success Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 1 in 68 children is diagnosed with ASD, a disorder more prevalent in boys. Today, 3.5 million Americans live with an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis. Yet, once young adults reach age 21, resources are extremely limited, leaving families to struggle in order to meet the needs of loved ones affected by this lifelong disorder. As the name implies, those diagnosed with ASD may have a range of symptoms, skills and levels of disability. Not all who are diagnosed with ASD face the same challenges. In fact, some with ASD are capable of functioning independently while others require substantial support. However, common features of the disorder are: difficulty with social communication and interaction, narrow interests or repetitive behaviors and resistance to change. Several disorders are now within the ASD umbrella, including but not limited to: Autistic Disorder,
Asperger’s Syndrome. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified. ASD affects individuals across all racial, ethnic and socio-economic groups. In fact, Sylvester Stallone, Dan Marino, Toni Braxton, Joe Mantegna, Ed Asner, Gary Cole Jenny McCarthy, Doug Flutie and D.L. Hughley all have children who’ve received an ASD diagnosis. Of course, celebrity parents often have access to resources for their loved ones that are not available to the “average” parent. Where can those who aren’t celebrities go to access critical supports and services once their child becomes a young adult? Enter Itineris, Inc., a unique service provider founded in 2010 by a group of local parents and professionals to fill a void that begins at age 21 for those with ASD. According to its mission statement, Itineris “is committed to helping provide opportunities for individuals with
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February 2016