Last October, Idil Abdull, a Somali parent and founder of the Somali American Autism wanted answers about the disproportionate numbers of Somali American children enrolled in preschool ASD special needs programs.
Somali children were 7 times more likely than non-Somali children to be enrolled in developmental schools that treat autism spectrum disorders.
NIH, the Minnesota Department of Public Health, and Autism Speaks then began to identify ongoing research that may be broadened to determine why the large disparity exists.
Their research will also determine the service needs of children and their families affected by autism spectrum disorders in Minneapolis.
The full study will launch later this year even though the children affected were not necessarily born in the same area. The study's primary purpose is to determine whether there is a true increase in autism rates among Somali children in Minneapolis.
If it is discovered that the Somali autism rates are higher than non-Somalis in the area, then newer studies will be conducted to address whether or not other factors like immigration or nutrition may be responsible for the increase.
Abdul told Minnesota Public Radio that she is motivated to push the study forth and seek action because autism is a terminal disease.
Abdul said it is hard for parents to reconcile the news that their child has been diagnosed with a lifelong disease that has no identifiable or apparent cause.
In 2009, the Minnesota Department of Health released a report confirming higher rates of Somali-American children in special education classes. But the study does not delve into why the rates are higher.
Source: HULIQ
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