In 2001, the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services conducted a survey of titled “Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN)” for all 50 states in the US. In their findings, 11% of Hawaii’s children were considered as Special Needs. Again in 2006, a new survey was conducted to assess and track any differences in key demographics and overall numbers. In the time between surveys, Special Needs children in Hawaii had now increased to 12%. It is suspected that in the last 3-4 years since the 2005-2006 survey, that percentage of special needs children statewide has increased to 15% or possibly higher.
Pacific Autism Center, being an integral part of the special needs community, took notice of this survey and understood its ramifications early on. We have been aggressive in providing effective quality services for parents since day one, and that will never change.
Areas of the report that we address directly are;
- communication between parents, doctors and our therapists
- helping each child prepare and transition through their years towards adulthood
- at-home consultations
- providing on-going training for therapists and parents
Hawaii’s Special Needs population continues to grow year after year with Autism taking the lead in diagnosis. We are trained and experienced in helping each child lead a full and productive life.
