The overview
According to a 2022 study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in every 31 children age 8 has been identified with autism spectrum disorder, or ASD.
That number is nearly double the amount compared to 2012, as 1 in every 69 children age 8 was identified with ASD, the CDC study shows.
This increase has led to a rise in local autism centers in the Houston Bay Area, including Changing Stories, an autism service and consultation center based in Webster.
Elizabeth Hewatt, owner of Changing Stories and a certified behavior analyst, established the business in 2022 with in-home behavior therapy, communication support, skills assessments and related services for children with autism. Her inspiration is rooted from her daughter, who was diagnosed with autism in 2003.
In January, she expanded the business with a new clinical facility to do outreach and provide individualized therapy for children as well as establish social groups.
While Hewatt has a positive outlook on the number of autism service centers now open compared to when her daughter was diagnosed in 2003, she noted a lot of centers don’t service teenagers to adults, as they don’t have the capacity.
For services for elementary age and teenagers, Changing Stories has had to implement a waiting list. However, Hewatt is looking to expand on its preschool program, as she has observed less preschool-age children receiving a diagnosis.
“That's also one of the things that's very concerning to me is getting a diagnosis early and getting treatment early so that the child can be set on the right path earlier on,” she said. “I've never met a family that's like, ‘I just interviewed too early. I got my child too much therapy. I just help my child too much,’ but I have met a lot of families that are like, ‘If only we had started things earlier.’”
Diving in deeper
Clear Creek ISD has also addressed the rise of autism with in-house and outside services.
“Clear Creek ISD is dedicated to providing comprehensive support for students with autism, ensuring they receive the necessary resources to thrive academically, behaviorally and socially,” said Michele Staley, CCISD’s executive director of special services, in an email May 22.
