Autism facility a result of Miller’s efforts
To the editor,
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) impacts one in every 59 children in our country. The prevalence is even higher here in Connecticut and the need for treatment and support services rises every year. In October, thanks to the outstanding advocacy of state Rep. Patricia Billie Miller, D-Stamford, we opened Hospital for Special Care’s new, expanded Autism Inpatient Unit in an 18,000 square foot facility that includes a first of its kind in Connecticut Partial Hospital Program. This facility, designed specifically to meet the needs of the children and adolescents we serve, would not have been possible without Representative Miller’s leadership.
Representative Miller recognized that ASD has an impact on the entire family system and that ensuring access to effective care benefits every community in Connecticut. She has been a powerful force in educating her colleagues at the state capitol and in engaging our local communities in caring for one another, especially during the challenges we’ve all shared in 2020.
This facility, and the programs it houses, are completely unique in Connecticut and one of only a dozen resources in the country. Representative Miller helped secure $10 million in state bond funds and helped HFSC leverage nearly $3 million in community contributions to make this possible. Construction continued, uninterrupted, throughout the pandemic, and the building opened six weeks ahead of schedule, expanding critically needed services, contributing to our local economy and creating new jobs.
Representative Miller deserves our thanks and the thanks of every family impacted by ASD. We know there is far more work to do, and we know she will continue to be a passionate advocate and leader for our community.