Aquiet crisis exists in our community that is affecting more children and families every day. The prevalence of children and teens who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder or other mental health disorder is increasing at an alarming rate.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states autism spectrum disorders “are a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. The CDC estimates that an average of one in 150 children in the U. S. have an ASD.” Governmental, educational, medical, community and parent groups have begun intense efforts to meet this growing need. Still, families are suffering right in our community.

Even if a child’s needs are modest and can be met by the system, access is severely delayed. In a large part, this is secondary to individuals with complex cases being trapped in a broken system. So much time and money is spent inadequately meeting these individuals’ needs that less complex cases face long delays. For those who have complex needs or have a family member who does, the current system can be confusing, frustrating and insufficient. The educational, developmental and monetary losses, disenfranchisement from the system and, in extreme cases, the fatalities that result are unacceptable.

Locally, a multidisciplinary group called the Committee for Autism and Mental Health Advocacy has been meeting for almost two years in Erie County. This group is composed of parents, educators, psychiatrists, government officials and agency administrators.

Leading the charge is Assemblyman Mark J. F. Schroeder, D-Buffalo, chairman of the Autism Subcommittee for the Assembly. This collaboration has resulted in the introduction of five bills in the Assembly addressing early screening, assessment of the cost of autism, teacher training, more efficient medical record access and the creation of an improved continuum of care for at-risk children and their families.

The committee’s 2009-2010 goals and objectives include gathering local and statewide support for this extremely important legislation and creating new partnerships to further this cause. Its ultimate mission is to foster the improvement of children’s behavioral health systems to provide better outcomes for children and families in a financially responsible manner.

The Committee for Autism and Mental Health Advocacy will present its second Round Table on Autism and Mental Health Issues from 10 a. m. to 12:30 p. m. Friday at Erie Community College’s South Campus. More information can be obtained by contacting Schroeder’s office (826-0152). Find out what you can do to help.

Max Donatelli is director of Intake and Family Engagement for Baker Victory Services. Michael R. Cummings, M. D., is director of the Division of Community Psychiatry at the University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.