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THE GREENSBORO TIMES


Universal Autism Screening Will Help Reduce Disparities in Access to Autism Services for African American Families


BY KATHLEEN CAMPBELL AND GERALDINE DAWSON, PHD DUKE CENTER FOR AUTISM AND BRAIN DEVELOPMENT, DUKE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE


Black


During History


Month, we celebrate


the


accomplishments of African Americans, acknowledge modern heroes,


day and


reflect upon ways we can lessen disparities in the o p p o r t u n i t i e s offered to African Americans.


One


important area in which disparities still


exist especially is


access to health care by persons with


with autism.


North Carolina, it is estimated


that 1 in 53 white children and 1 in 63 African American children are diagnosed with autism. Despite these similar prevalence rates, African American children with autism have less access to services, and their parents have greater difficulty getting advice from their doctors when compared to families of white children with autism. Research has shown that one way to reduce this gap in access to services is to provide universal autism screening for all children. Thus, the recent conclusion by the United States Preventative Services Task Force that there is insufficient evidence to recommend universal screening for autism potentially will have a greater impact on African American families. The American Academy of


disabilities, those In


Pediatrics, on the other hand, continues to recommend that all children be screened for autism at their 18- and 24-month well-baby check-ups.


Despite recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics


that all children be screened for autism twice by age 2, many children are still not screened by their pediatricians. This is unfortunate because studies have shown that screening identifies many children who would otherwise be missed by their pediatricians. Screening can inform parents about what their child should be doing by 18 months (such as responding to their name, noticing what others are looking at, imitating, and pointing to things that interest them) and also empowers parents to bring up concerns with their child’s physician.


Screening is especially important for African American families in light of studies showing that African American children with autism are diagnosed later than white children, even when comparing groups of children who both have a consistent source of pediatric care. This gap in time of diagnosis means that precious time is lost when early intervention can have its biggest impact on children’s outcomes. Can we close the gap in early diagnosis and treatment for African American children with autism if every child is screened and referred for services if needed? We don’t know for certain, but we have a moral imperative to help all families who have developmental concerns receive timely and appropriate diagnostic services and treatment.


Families with concerns about autism or other developmental delays should schedule a visit with their child’s pediatrician. Children under age 3 with developmental delays can receive evaluations and treatment through the Children’s Developmental Services Agency (919-707-5520, www. beearly.nc.gov) at sliding-scale cost. Additionally, children of all ages with suspected or confirmed autism may be eligible for participation in research studies that provide free diagnostic testing and/or investigative treatments at the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development (888-691-1062 or email autismresearch@dm.duke.edu). Families wishing to help contribute to Duke’s mission to help children with autism reach their full potential can enroll children without autism in research studies as well.


African Americans and the Importance of Clinical Research


PhysiqueMed Clinical


Where it began... Trials


is a dynamic group of medical professionals dedicated


to the


advancement of clinical research. Founded by Robin Baker, PA-C in 2006 in the heart of Greensboro, NC. PhysiqueMed Clinical Trials has a professional staff of physicians and study coordinators with over 60 years of combined experience in medical research.


We are


dedicated to providing quality and compassionate care to our patients.


If you’ve ever taken a pill


or been treated for a sickness, then you’ve seen the benefit of clinical


research.


Robin Baker Americans


Each year,


thousands of African Americans take part in clinical


projects that help find ways to prevent, treat and cure sickness. Clinical


research and all people helps enjoy better research


African health.


About Clinical Research...For many years, most clinical research projects were done on white men only.


African Americans, women


and other minorities were not included in research and if they were allowed to participate, the studies were sometimes dangerous and even harmful. I saw a need to bring more diversity to the field of research


in a safe and controlled environment. Clinical Why are African American volunteers needed? research


projects today welcome the participation of minorities and women. Participants are monitored for their safety and ethical treatment.


Many illnesses


like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, HIV?AIDS and certain kinds of cancer affect African Americans more than other people. Yet, little is known about how African Americans respond to treatment.


Minority


volunteers help scientist learn how different treatments affect African American people. When African Americans and other minorities take part in clinical research they help improve the health of all people.


How African Tuskegee Experiment American Participants are Protected.....


Some African Americans still remember past abuses like the in which syphilis treatment was withheld


from a group of African American men for years. They wonder if something like that could happen today.


The answer is, no. members is responsible


guidelines and codes of ethics are designed to protect clinical research volunteers from harm. community


Clinical Research > page 12 study safety Federal


In addition, a panel of professionals and for monitoring


and safeguarding volunteer rights in every clinical research project.


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