A recent study found that black children are likely under-diagnosed with autism particularly if they don’t have intellectual disabilities. While the racial gap in autism diagnoses is diminishing, partially explaining the rise in autism cases overall the actual numbers may be even higher in this demographic. They identified 4,661 8-year-olds with ASD in the metro area. The majority did not have intellectual disabilities (59.3%) and were therefore less likely to be previously identified. BELL Organization partnered with Assembly members Chantel Jackson, Diana Ayala, Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Senator Ritchie Torres and organization such as Autism Origins Lab, Autism Speaks, Bronx Children’s Museum, KEEN, Patterson and Morrisania Air Rights Resident Associations, McDonalds and Borough Director Carmen Roman from the New York City Department of Education to host a Sensory Play and Resource Event for the children and families of the South Bronx.
