The Monroe County Autism Task Force released its recommendations on Thursday for creating a more inclusive environment for individuals living with autism.

Officials said they will work to improve six key areas, including safety, health services, employment, education, housing and transportation.

Autism is one of the fastest growing developmental disorders in the U.S., affecting 1 in 68 children.

"There's not a home base or a resource page or somewhere where you can go down and say 'Okay my son or daughter was just diagnosed with autism, what do I need to do where do I start?'" said Krystin Letta, a parent. "It's usually word of mouth from other parents from what they've found in the community that's available for them, and now they're putting together a resource page so that parents know where to start and who to contact and get the information that's necessary to get the services they need to support them."

Lawana Jones, the executive director of The Autism Council of Rochester, says an early diagnosis is crucial.

"The wait time for folks to get their children even diagnosed is 6 months to a year, and that's unacceptable. We've got to increase the access for folks to be able to get to local clinics and have some professionals or clinicians come out to the community and do some assessment," said Jones. 

Members of the task force said they hope the recommendations are implemented immediately.