Cuts Could Hit Autism Programs

UJA-Federation of New York officials and those at some of the agencies it funds are bracing for city and state budget cuts to programs that help young people with autism make the transition into adulthood.

In New York City alone, 25 agencies that serve the autistic community — eight of which are affiliated with UJA-Federation — are in jeopardy of losing $1.5 million in funding from the “One Out of 150” initiative,

According to Anita Altman, deputy managing director of UJA-Federation’s department of government and external affairs. (The name “One Out of 150” comes from a 2007 Centers for Disease Control report that showed one in 150 American children have an autism disorder).

“It’s not necessarily a critique of the autism program — it’s, ‘hey guys, we’re really in a jam,” Altman said, noting that the autism program competes with many other budgetary items aimed at children, such as summer youth employment and after-school programs.  Continue reading…