Autism in PA

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to group of complex neurodevelopmental disorders with a broad range of patterns of behavior and difficulties with social communication and interaction. The term “spectrum” refers to the wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of disability in functioning that can occur in individuals with autism.

What is the Pennsylvania Autism Census?

In 2005, the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations, within the PA Department of Human Services commissioned an administrative census of the number of individuals with autism receiving services in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Autism Census found almost 20,000 Pennsylvanians with autism receiving services.

The Pennsylvania Autism Census Update used new data from 2011 and found that the number of Pennsylvanians with autism receiving services increased to over 55,000 children, adolescents, and adults in PA with autism receiving services. The Pennsylvania Autism Census Update includes data from:

  • Department of Human Services
    • Office of Medical Assistance Programs (OMAP)
    • Office of Children, Youth and Families (OCYF)
    • Office of Developmental Programs (ODP): Autism & Intellectual Disability Services
    • Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS)
  • Department of Education (PDE)
  • Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)
  • Department of Corrections and PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency

Pennsylvania Autism Census Summary Report

This resource provides a summary of the findings from the Pennsylvania Autism Census completed by ASERT in 2014.

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Pennsylvania Autism Census County Profiles

This is a collection of all county profile reports from the Pennsylvania Autism Census completed by ASERT in 2014.

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Pennsylvania Autism Census 2014 Update

The 2014 Pennsylvania Autism Census Update gathered data about how many children, adolescents, and adults with autism were receiving services in Pennsylvania in 2011, where in the state these individuals were living, and other demographic information.

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Pennsylvania Autism Census 2009 Report

This resource is the full report of the findings from the first Pennsylvania Autism Census completed by ASERT in 2005.

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Autism Prevalence

Recent press and media reporting has focused on the increasing autism prevalence in the United States. This resource provides information on the rising prevalence rates for autism, and an explanation of factors that impact prevalence rates.

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