Facts about Autism, adapted from the National Autism Association and the CDC:
What is Autism?
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a bio-neurological developmental disability that generally appears before the age of 3.
- Autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction, communication skills, and cognitive function.
- Individuals with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities.
- Currently there is no cure for autism, though with early intervention and treatment, the diverse symptoms related to autism can be greatly improved.
Autism Facts & Stats
- Autism now affects 1 in 36 children in the United States. The rate has steadily grown over the past few decades, though it is unclear whether and to what degree this change is due to an increase in prevalence of the condition or increased public awareness leading to more diagnoses.
- Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls, although some researchers believe this may be partly attributed to gender differences in how autism presents and socialization impacting external behaviors. Its prevalence does not appear to be affected by race, region, or socio-economic status, but this is an area of ongoing research.
- About 40% of children with autism do not speak (non-verbal). About 25%–30% of children with autism have some words at 12 to 18 months of age and then lose them. Others might speak, but not until later in childhood.
- Autism greatly varies from person to person (no two people with autism are alike).
- Comorbid conditions often associated with autism include Fragile X, allergies, asthma, epilepsy, bowel disease, gastrointestinal/digestive disorders, persistent viral infections, PANDAS, feeding disorders, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, ADHD, Tourette Syndrome, OCD, sensory integration dysfunction / sensory processing disorder, sleeping disorders, immune disorders, autoimmune disorders, and neuroinflammation.
To learn more about Autism Spectrm Disorders and find the latest research and facts, visit the CDC’s page on ASD at the link below.