About Autism

  Autism      is    a     complex developmental   disability  that typically  appears   during  the first   three  years  of  life  and affects   a    person’s     ability      to communicate    and   interact     with others. Autism is defined by a certain set   of behaviors  and is a “spectrum disorder”   that    affects    individuals differently   and    to  varying degrees. There  is  no  known  single cause for autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families today.

In December  2009,  the  Centers  for Disease   Control   and     Prevention issued their ADDM autism prevalence report. The  report concluded that the prevalence of autism had risen to 1 in every 88 births in the United States and almost 1  in  70 boys. The issuance  of  this  report  caused  a  media uproar, but the news was not a surprise to the Autism Society or to the 1.5 million Americans living with the effects of autism spectrum disorder.

Nonetheless, the spotlight shown on   autism as a result of the prevalence increase opens opportunities for the nation to consider how to serve these families  facing  a  lifetime  of  supports for  their children.  Currently,   the Autism Society estimates that the  lifetime  cost  of  caring for a child with autism ranges from $3.5 million to $5 million, and that the United States is facing almost $90 billion annually in  costs  for  autism (this figure includes research, insurance costs and non-covered expenses, Medicaid waivers for autism,   educational spending,  housing,  transportation,  employment,  in addition to related therapeutic services and caregiver costs).

Know the Signs: Early Identification Can Change Lives

Autism is treatable. Children  do  not “outgrow” autism,  but  studies show that early diagnosis and intervention lead to significantly improved outcomes.

Here are some signs to look for in the children in your life:

  • Lack of or delay in spoken language
  • Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms              (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects)
  • Little or no eye contact
  • Lack of interest in peer relationships
  • Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play
  • Persistent fixation on parts of objects

http://www.autism-society.org/

http://www.autism-society.org/about-autism/