(Puerto Rico) One in every 21 four yr olds diagnosed with autism in 2022
The island House of Representatives has implemented a series of historic initiatives aimed at improving the services received by children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including unprecedented budgetary allocations to non-profit organizations.
“This House of Representatives has an unwavering commitment to improving the services received by patients diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Puerto Rico,” House Speaker Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Nuñez said. “Since being sworn in in January 2025, we -- together with numerous colleagues -- have championed a series of initiatives that have positively impacted this vital segment of our population, including historic allocations of funds to non-profit entities that serve as the driving force behind this effort.” . . .
On March 15, Méndez Nuñez, along with House Vice Speaker Ángel Peña Ramírez, announced a recommended transfer of $100,000 to support the operations of the Christian School for Autism and Mentoring Children of Puerto Rico in Las Piedras. The school provides educational services to some 32 children diagnosed with ASD.
Peña Ramírez is also seeking to identify a currently unused school facility to expand the school’s operations.
ASD is described as a range of neurological and developmental conditions that impact how a person behaves, including difficulties with social interaction and communication, among other symptoms.
Currently, more than 11,700 children and around 21,500 adults in Puerto Rico have been diagnosed with autism.
According to data from the island Health Department, one in every 38 eight-year-old children (2.6%) and one in every 21 four-year-old children (4.7%) were diagnosed with autism in 2022.
Studies indicate that between 2013 and 2024, an increase of up to 180% was recorded in the number of autism cases in Puerto Rico.
Comments