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Our knowledge of Autistic Spectrum Disorders
is rapidly changing given the many researchers
working in this area. The facts below
are based upon current scientific understanding
of Autism. For a list of source materials
please go to our Autism
Resources page.
- Autism Spectrum
Disorders occur in 1-2 or more of
every 500 births and 3-4 times more
often in boys.
- Autism is a
developmental disability thought
by scientists to have a genetic
origin.
- A family that
has a biologically related relative
with an Autism Spectrum Disorder
is much more likely to have a child
with an Autism Spectrum Disorder
than a family without this history.
- Autism is the
third most common developmental
disability following mental retardation
and cerebral palsy.
- 75-80% of persons
with Autism also have mental retardation.
- Autism is more
common than multiple sclerosis,
cystic fibrosis or childhood cancer.
- Early intensive
behavioral intervention has been
shown to produce marked changes
in the skill deficits and problem
behavior associated with Autism.
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Below, please
find recent facts about
Autism compiled from sources
including the National Institutes
of Health, the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention,
the U.S. Department of Education,
and the Autism Society of
America.
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1 in 250 births |
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1 to 1.5 million
Americans |
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Fastest-growing
developmental disability |
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10 - 17% annual
growth |
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Growth comparison
during the 1990s |
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- U.S. population
increase: 13%
- Disabilities increase: 16%
- Autism increase: 172%
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$90 billion
annual cost |
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90% of costs
are in adult services |
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Cost of lifelong
care can be reduced by 2/3
with early diagnosis and
intervention |
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