HJAR Mar/Apr 2025

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has received an increasing amount of attention in recent years, and, in some ways, it’s even been described as “cool.” High-profile individuals, like Bill Gates, have speculated that they might have been diagnosed with autism if they were growing up today. This visibility has helped reduce stigma, but it also raises a critical question: Is everyone on the spectrum receiving the care and support they need? The autism spectrum is vast, encompassing individuals with a wide range of abilities and challenges. While some autistic individuals thrive in STEM fields, creative industries, and other professional settings, others struggle with profound autism — a term increasingly used to describe those with severe cognitive, communication, and func- tional impairments. As autism awareness grows, there is a risk that those with the highest support needs — who require lifelong care — may be left out of crucial services. I was approached by Jayne Bellando, PhD, and Jaimie Flor, MD, to consider doing an in-depth look at autism in the Journal. As the aunt of a 30-year-old with profound autism, I have been waiting for the right moment to take on this topic in the Healthcare Journal of Arkansas . I remember when my sister called me when her oldest son was two years old and told me she thought some- thing was wrong with him. I reassured her: “Oh, don’t worry, Einstein didn’t speak until he was 6. Your son is doing adult puzzles at 2.” Little did I know. The word autism was not even in our consciousness at the time. My reply would have been so different today. Over the decades, I watched my sister struggle to get him care and saw the toll it took on her family. I heard her be told not to share the services she fought so hard to get for her son because there simply were not enough resources to go around. At the same time, she recently expressed gratitude for the early intervention workers who, seeing a delay in her younger son, advocated for speech therapy on his behalf. That second son is now a PhD. This series, “Across the Spectrum: A Special Report on Pediatric Autism Care in Arkansas,” takes a deep dive into autism care in the state, focusing on early screening, diagnosis, access to therapies, medical complexities, and the transition from childhood to adulthood. The goal is to highlight not just where Arkansas stands today, but how we can build a better system for all autistic individuals — no matter their level of support needs. Later this year, we will continue this discussion with “Across the Spectrum: A Special Report on Adult Autism Care in Arkansas.” While autism is often discussed in childhood, it does not disappear at age 18. Families and individuals navigating adulthood face new challenges — finding healthcare providers who understand autism, accessing employment and housing support, and addressing lifelong medical and behavioral needs. This special report is for the healthcare industry in Arkansas. As you care for individuals across the entire spec- trum, including those who are extremely neurodivergent, may I humbly ask that you also care for the entire family. These families are walking incredibly difficult paths — ones we cannot fully imagine. But in the brief interactions we have with them, may we offer dignity, compassion, and real help. Autism is not just one story. It’s a collection of millions of unique experiences. Our hope is that this special report and the discussions it sparks help shape a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to autism care in Arkansas. EDITOR’S DESK Dianne Marie Normand Hartley Chief Editor editor@healthcarejournalar.com Beyond the Headlines: Addressing the Full Spectrum of Autism Care