Autism Facts

Unless you are one of the many families affected by autism, you may not have an understanding as to what autism is exactly or the impact that it has on families. In support of the Walk Now for Autism Speak Walks coming up in a few months we are adding some information on Autism. We hope that this will bring a better understanding to autism and why it is a complicated issue.

Facts
•1percent of the U.S. population ages 3-17 have an autism spectrum disorder
•Autism effects 1 in 110 children and 1in 70 boys
•Boys are 4times more likely than girls to have Autism, but girls seem to have more severe cases than boys
•Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability
•Approximately 4million babies born every year, 24,000 will be autistic
•Autism costs the nation over $35Billion per year
•More children will be diagnosed with autism than AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined
•Government statistics suggest that the rate of autism is increasing 10-17 percent
•Autism receives less than 5 percent of research funding for childhood diseases

About Autism

•Autism is part of a group of disorders known as autism spectrum disorders, is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts their entire lifetime.
•The disorder is characterized by varying degrees of impairment in communication skills and social abilities, and also by repetitive behavior.
•symptoms can be mild to severe, and have different traits. Some may have difficulty speaking, reading and writing, while another may be so high functioning he/she is able to attend a normal school.
•No one knows for sure how children get autism
•Recent studies suggest a strong genetic basis for autism--- up to 20 sets of genes may play a part in its development.
•Many treatments and therapies for autism have come about, but there is no cure for autism
•Signs of autism are that your child does not communicate and if they do, they speak in words that you cannot understand. They screech loudly instead of crying, do not keep eye contact, have trouble reading social cues, are prone to repetitive behavior, and may be more sensitive to light, touch and sound than other children.

To find out more information on autism or to find a walk near you or ways to donate please go to www.walknowforautismspeaks.org