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Autism Awareness

What is Autism?

Autism, part of a group of disorders known as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), is a neurological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person’s lifetime. The disorder is identified by varying degrees of impairment in communication skills and social abilities, and also by repetitive behaviors. Symptoms range from mild to severe. Parents are usually the first to notice unusual behaviors in their child or their child’s failure to reach appropriate developmental milestones. Some parents describe a child that seemed different from birth, while others describe a child who was developing normally and then lost skills.

According to the Centers of Disease Control, autism effects as many as 1 in every 91 children in the United States. Therefore, it is estimated that 1,500,000 Americans may be affected with autism. Also, government statistics suggest the rate of autism is rising 10 to 17 percent annually. Unfortunately, the numbers appear to be continuing their upward climb. In fact, it is the most prevalent developmental disorder to date; according to the Centers for Disease Control, of the approximately 4,000,000 babies born every year, 24,000 of them will eventually be identified as having autism. Boys are more susceptible than girls to developing autism. In the United States alone, 1 out of 58 boys is suspected of being on the spectrum, with perhaps more going undiagnosed to this day.


Autism Awareness Links

Autism Speaks

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD)

Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Autism Information Center

Butterfly Effects

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Autism Fact Sheet