900 Autistic Children Affected by Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana Alone

From Unlocking Autism

After speaking with state officials this morning, it has been learned that in the state of Louisiana alone, early estimates indicate that there are a minimum of 900 children with autism that have been displaced due to Hurricane Katrina. This number is based on the number of children in public schools who have been diagnosed with an ASD.

The five parishes in Louisiana that were hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina were homes to more than 1/3 of the children in Louisiana with autism. Those parishes include: St. Bernard, Plaquemines, Jefferson, Orleans and St. Tammany.

This only accounts for children ages 3-22 in the state of Louisiana diagnosed with autism and does not include any child in a private school, home based educational program, under the age of 3 or any adults.

The needs here are massive. Counseling say that families hit are in a state of trauma and shock. It is difficult to get them to focus on the fact that they need shelter, clothing and food and water. They are not at a point to think about schools and therapists and everything else that comes with having a family member that has autism.

Unlocking Autism appreciates volunteers who are offering to open their homes to help relocate these families. Many of these families that the organization has talked to want to stay in the area to see if they can eventually get back to their house to see if any personal belongings have survived, among other reasons for wanting to stay.

Many state agencies are working to help Unlocking Autism identify families as they come.
It is mind-boggling that the 900 number does not include the number of children displaced in Mississippi or Alabama as a result of this catastrophe.

For additionals information, see www.unlockingautism.org