Kokoruda Participates in Autism Awareness and Acceptance Day

From the Office of the Representative: On Wednesday, State Representative Noreen Kokoruda (R-101) joined her legislative colleagues for a ceremony at the State Capitol recognizing Autism Awareness and Acceptance Day. Kokoruda also honored Madison students Luke Carfora, Gianna Catalano, Charlie Cohen and Dr. Elizabeth Battaglia, the Madison Director of Special Education for their efforts on behalf of Special Education in Madison and across Connecticut.

When funding for a state run resource was in question, Dr. Battaglia stepped up to help families throughout the entire state. Dr.Battaglia enlisted the help of her students and together they developed a new site for transitional services, which was more streamlined and efficient.

“I commend Dr. Battaglia and her students for the great work they have done to assist individuals with disabilities and their families. By making it easier to access information regarding post-secondary education and training, employment, and independent living, the lives of individuals in need and their families will be simplified. It was nice to see their efforts recognized by the state on Autism Day. Thank you for all you have done for the Special Education community,” said Rep. Kokoruda.

The website is designed to help with secondary transition, a planning process used by students with disabilities to prepare for transition to life after high school. The website can be accessed at www.cttransition.org.

Rep. Kokoruda has sponsored many pieces of legislation during her tenure in the legislature, in support of individuals with special needs, including this session’sHB 6836 to lower the age for when a special education student is to begin receiving transition services to fourteen years of age. Also, HB 6838 to require that the written bill of rights for parents of children receiving special education services be included with the transition bill of rights given to all parents of special education students at a planning and placement team meeting.

“I always look forward to gathering with advocates, families, and legislators in support of those with autism,” said Rep. Kokoruda. “This topic is one that we must continue to discuss and seek to spread awareness. Studies show that early diagnosis, along with services and support is critical to continuing to make progress on behalf of those impacted by autism, as well as their families and caregivers.”

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) encompass complex neurobiological disorders that affect one’s ability to communicate and relate to others. In addition to autism, diagnoses of Asperger’s Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder are recognized as being on the "spectrum".

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 68 children (or 14.7 per 1,000 eight-year-olds) in multiple communities in the United States has been identified with ASD. This new estimate is roughly 30 percent higher than previous estimates reported in 2012 of 1 in 88 children (11.3 per 1,000 eight year olds) being identified with ASD.

Photos courtesy of the Office of the Representative