Autism is a brain development disorder characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior, all exhibited before a child is three years old. These characteristics distinguish autism from milder autism spectrum disorders (ASD).Heritability contributes a large fraction of the risk of a child's developing the disorder, although the genetics of autism are complex, and it is generally unclear which genes are responsible. In rare cases, autism is strongly associated with agents that cause birth defects. Other proposed causes, such as the exposure of children to vaccines, are controversial and the vaccine hypotheses are unsupported by convincing scientific evidence. Most recent reviews estimate a prevalence of one to two cases per 1,000 people for autism, and about six per 1,000 for ASD, with ASD averaging a 4.3:1 male-to-female ratio. The number of people known to have autism has increased dramatically since the 1980s, at least partly due to changes in diagnostic practice; the question of whether prevalence has increased is unresolved.Autism affects many parts of the brain; how this occurs is poorly understood. Parents usually notice signs in the first year or two of their child's life. Early intervention may help children gain self-care and social skills, although few of these interventions are supported by scientific studies. There is no cure. With severe autism, independent living is unlikely; with milder autism, there are some success stories for adults, and an autistic culture has developed, with some seeking a cure and others believing that autism is a condition rather than a disorder.
Facts:
* 1 in 150 births(1)
* 1 to 1.5 million Americans(2)
* Fastest-growing developmental disability
* 10 - 17 % annual growth
* Growth comparison during the 1990s(3):
o U.S. population increase: 13%
o Disabilities increase: 16%
o Autism increase: 172%
* $90 billion annual cost(4)
* 90% of costs are in adult services(4)
* Cost of lifelong care can be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention(4)
* In 10 years, the annual cost will be $200-400 billion(5)2003, 2006 Copyright Autism Society of America. All rights reserved.1. Based on prevalence statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2007).
2. Based on the autism prevalence rate of 2 to 6 per 1,000 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2001) and 2000 U.S. Census figure of 280 million Americans.
3. U.S. Department of Education's "Twenty-First Annual Report to Congress on the Implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act" (1999).
4. Jarbrink K, Knapp M, 2001, London School of Economics study: "The economic impact on autism in Britain," 5 (1): 7-22.
5. ASA calculates that the annual cost of autism will increase to $200-400 billion in 10 years. February 2003
You can find more help about Autism here: Autism Help
