Autistic children in Allegany County, as well as from the surrounding area, wil benefit from a new educational center to be opened next month on the campus of the Jefferson School at the Thomas B. Finan Center.

Last year in Allegany County, 51 children enrolled in the public school system had been diagnosed with autism, according to figures provided by the Maryland State Department of Education. Statewide, more than 7,500 school children were autistic, 2008 figures showed.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that one in 100 8-year-old children in the U.S. has been diagnosed with autism. Previously, the government’s estimate was one in 150.

The Autism Society of America notes that autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. There is no known single cause for autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families, the society said.

School officials in Allegany County hired a specialist several years ago to help cope with the growing problem. Corrie Humbertson travels from school to school to help teachers help students with autism, which is a complex neurobiological disorder that inhibits a person’s ability to communicate, respond to his or her surroundings and form relationships with others.

Since Humbertson was hired in 2005, the autistic population in Allegany County schools has doubled, statistics show.

“We use her as a resource,” said Sheree Witt, director of special education and student services for Allegany County public schools. “But some students may need a program that has more intensive services like those offered through Sheppard Pratt.”

That program will be provided by Sheppard Pratt Health System, which plans a mid-November opening for its new center, providing services for up to 30 children. A nonprofit behavioral health system, Sheppard Pratt operates almost a dozen schools in Maryland for children with behavioral and emotional problems. In recent years, it has opened centers especially designed for autistic students in Hunt Valley, Gaithersburg and Westminster.

Clearly, there is a need in the community for expanded autism services. The Sheppard Pratt center will be a welcome facility for families dealing with the effects of autism.