The greater New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Cleveland, Philadelphia and Boston metropolitan areas are among the 10 best places in America to live for people who have autism, according to the results of an online survey released earlier this year by Autism Speaks, the world's largest autism science and advocacy organization. Northern New Jersey, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Seattle and Milwaukee are also among the top 10 listed. The survey also found that nearly 75% of respondents were not satisfied with their community's resources and services for people with autism. Among the states faring worst in the survey, in terms of the percentage of negative responses from that state, were Texas, Virginia, Tennessee, Ohio, Florida, Michigan and California.

For those who responded positively that they are generally happy with the availability of services and resources where they live, many cited satisfaction with the educational services their child receives, proximity to outside services, flexible employer policies, access to clinical/medical care and recreational opportunities as key attributes. Conversely, those who were unhappy about their community's resources reported, by very large margins, having to travel considerable distances (over an hour) for treatments and services, said medical services were difficult to come by, and noted that few, if any, recreational services were available locally. Across the board, respite services were lacking in all areas. More than 800 members of the autism community in 48 states and the District of Columbia participated in the survey. For more, visit Autism Speaks.