AUTISM FACTS
In 2014 the Center for Disease Control determined that approximately 1 in 68 children is diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the United States. In 2000 this number was 1 in 250 children.
Boys are four times more likely to have autism than girls. More specifically that number is 1 in 37 boys and 1 in 151 girls.
It is estimated that up to 40% of children with Autism do not speak.
Between 30-5-% of people with Autism suffer from seizures.
More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than pediatric AIDS, juvenile diabetes and cancer combined.
In 2010 the National Institute of Health (NIH) allocated just $218 million of it’s $35.6 billion dollar budget to Autism. This number represents less than 0.6% of total NIH funding.
It is estimated that Autism costs the nation $137 billion per year, no doubt the rising ate of children diagnosed will increase this figure dramatically.
Families with one child on the Autism Spectrum have an estimated 20% increased risk of having another child affected.
While the cause of Autism is still unclear, current studies indicate genetics and exposure to environmental triggers both play a role in the autism prevalence increase.
Autism occurs in all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups.
Autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder in the United States yet the most underfunded.
It is estimated that medical costs associated with caring for a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder are up to $20,000 higher annually than caring for a child without.
Additionally the costs of behavioral intervention therapy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder can reach up to $60,000 per child each year.
CHILDREN WITH AUTISM DO PROGRESS AND CAN MAKE AMAZING CONTRIBUTIONS TO SOCIETY!