Seattle is one of the 10 best places in America for people who have autism, an online survey has found.
The greater New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Boston, Northern New Jersey, Minneapolis/St. Paul, and Milwaukee metropolitan areas are also among the top 10 listed by Autism Speaks, an autism science and advocacy organization.
The results of the online survey were released Friday – the first day of Autism Awareness Month and the eve of World Autism Awareness Day.
Among the states faring worst in the survey, in terms of the percentage of negative responses from that state, were Texas, Virginia, Tennessee, Ohio, Florida, Michigan and California.
Those who responded positively said they are generally happy with the availability of services and resources where they live, and many said they were satisfied with the educational services their child receives, proximity to outside services, flexible employer policies, access to clinical/medical care and recreational opportunities.
Those who were unhappy about their community's resources reported having to travel long distances for treatments and services, said medical services were difficult to come by, and noted that few, if any, recreational services were available locally.
More than 800 members of the autism community in 48 states and the District of Columbia participated in the survey.
“These survey results confirm what we hear every day from families – that they are struggling to get their children services that are essential to their development and well-being,” said Bob Wright, co-founder of Autism Speaks.
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