Lyda Astrove, of Rockville, is a lawyer by training and the mother of two sons. She has been an autism advocate for 13 years. She received the 2007 Autism Hero Award from the D.C. chapter of Cure Autism Now/Autism Speaks.
How did you become involved in autism advocacy?
My youngest son had developmental issues and was diagnosed with autism at a young age. I have been an advocate for him ever since. We were so alone when first looking for education and resources. I did not want other families to feel that alone.
What projects are you working on?
Encouraging communities to address the needs of autistic individuals. Montgomery County has set up a task force to look at the needs of people with autism and other severe developmental disabilities. The police and firefighters need to be trained to work with them. Do we have sufficient housing that they can afford? Are schools keeping up with the burgeoning numbers of kids with autism? Therapy and medical treatment options. … I am also working on a project approved in the recent budget cycle that carves out county government job tasks that people with disabilities can do and be paid for.
Why is the number of individuals with autism increasing?
The medical and research communities are debating this. When my son was born, one in 10,000 children was diagnosed with autism. Now it’s one in 150. Whether it’s better diagnosis or an actual increase in numbers, you have to plan for it.
What are the challenges you face as an advocate and as a parent?
I don’t have a lot of time to wait around. I would like to see change happening faster than it is. Are funding and resources going to be available to my son when he becomes an adult? The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration has a yearslong wait list for services and resources for people with disabilities.
