Depends on the people as a whole yes more information is out there and the advances in medication allows the culture as a whole to live with disability when prior to the last century disabled people did not live long what we gained in the last century medically was remarkable what we gained in technique is astounding most of these kids wouldn't have made it past young ages between accident inability to percieve danger and disease most disabled kids (as we have now) and very able kids just didn't survive. As a parent I look for extra opportunities for my child to be in situations that allow me to have some action to either prevent or stop a melt down those groups or places are at least aware of special needs kids and some places we go mine is only minimally disabled because she is around kids that have more special needs than she does in those places yes they are very aware they are the therapist or parents of the other children I am trying to plan a vacation birthday I am wrapping everything into places that have sensory reduction facilities.six flags, all of them carry a special certification with the right "card" the guarantee to fast pass your child and have places on site ppl not just kids can be calm and reduce the sensory overload the "card" is free I think it's ibcces I will double check that but it alerts anyone one that offers those amenities that you have a special needs child. So I even try to go places that recognize my child may have some extra needs. Flip side of the coin we were in Walmart
The checker rudely asked if my daughter had torrets I know I spelled that way he got ugly with me I blew it of to he was young maybe he didn't understand but then I alerted his manager that confirmed he has problems asking parents about their kids that are special needs. It's 6 to 1 half a dozen

I think that if you say you are on spectrum that you are really challenged. I on the spectrum but learned to do many things besides masking that does not mean everything is ok.

I could have written the same about fighting for my son’s needs & minimum responses/help @A MyAutismTeam Member. I would love to move to California because they seem to have the best resources according to the parents here on MAT, but not at all affordable. We are considering moving to Colorado after researching schools & services, they seem to have a lot more to offer than here in AZ.

Yes, and No.
They know about it, but if not directly impacted by it, they know nothing about it.
16 years after Stephen was diagnosed, some people still treat it as a contagion.

More education of the medical community needs to be made, more specialized training for speech therapists needs to happen, and more investment in creating OT places. State government has done a good job getting insurances to pay.,