Autism Units

Michelle Diament writes at Disability Scoop:

More psychiatric hospitals are working to meet the needs of a burgeoning population of kids with autism and other developmental disabilities, a new study finds, but despite significant growth, services remain limited.

Researchers found just nine hospital units across the country that focus specifically on the needs of those with autism and other developmental disorders. That’s more than twice the number that existed 10 years ago.

Nonetheless, the specialized programs are far from meeting the national need, accounting for just 137 beds at psychiatric hospitals. Most of the facilities are concentrated in the Northeast and none are located west of Denver, according to the study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders late last month.