2019 April News

teddi3Newsletter

Policy News

Study: Reworked Autism Definition Prompted Drop in Diagnoses
Source: https://www.disabilityscoop.com


In 2013, the definition of autism was reworked with an adoption of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth edition). Years after this new adoption, researchers conducted a meta-analysis looking at 33 studies on the outcomes of this new definition of Autism. Researchers found a decrease in autism diagnoses and overall, about 1 in 5 individuals who would have been defined with an autism diagnosis under the previous DSM, are shown to be left out under this new definition. In making a diagnosis through a team of professionals, there was less of a discrepancy in deciding for individuals to be labeled with an autism label.

Authors have said however that the decrease in diagnoses have shown to be smaller than what has been identified in previous studies on the DSM change. This might suggest that clinicians are getting more comfortable with the new criteria in diagnosis.

State Launches Developmental Disability ID Cards
Source: https://www.disabilityscoop.com

New Yorkers with developmental disabilities can now apply for a state-issued identification card. These cards were made possible through a 2018 state law which contains basic information such as name, address, date of birth, and emergency contact information. It also contains special information about the person’s disability and disclaimers that advocates hope will be able to make interactions with law enforcement and emergency services personnel smoother. The goal of the initiative is to help first responders to better understand those with developmental disabilities who are unable to communicate their situation effectively.

What’s Up at CIDA

VAP (Volunteer Advocacy Project) from March 20th to June 5th @ CIDA office

On March 20th, CIDA began the Volunteer Advocacy Project (VAP). VAP is a training for individuals who are interested in becoming special education advocates to provide instrumental and effective support to families of individuals with disabilities. Through this project CIDA will be training 17 individuals through 36 hours of online and offline classes/webinars.

CIDA – Community Legislative Dinner on May 31st.
CIDA will be holding a Community Legislative Dinner on May 31st. This event is to discuss various issues related to disability and to prepare legislative recommendation to the city and state. Invitations will be sent out Mid-April. All CIDA parents are welcome to join to discuss and network on the issues related to disability.

Events

  • April 16 – Healthy Child Development Milestone (Special Workshop with Guest Speaker Dr. Jinyoung Kim, Ed.D)
  • May 31 – Community Legislative Dinner
  • June & July – Self-determination Academy (6/27, 6/28, 7/1, 7/2, 7/3)

Check our events in April: https://cidainfo.com/events/