What is Autism?

Autism is a complex developmental disability that is typically identified prior to the child’s second birthday. New research is finding success in developing tools to identify autism as early as 6 months of age. Autism is considered a neurological disorder, though the specific cause is not known. Social interaction and communication skills are the areas most affected by this disorder. Children and adults with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities.

Autism falls under the diagnostic category of “Pervasive Developmental Disorders.” Asperger’s Disorder also falls under this category. The other disorders under this category are very rare. The term Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is now widely used to stress that there is not a single “autism” or a single “Asperger’s Disorder.” The communication and social differences are vast, and the current diagnostic categories a painfully inadequate in describing the symptoms and needs of the individual on the spectrum.

Prevalence

Based on recent prevalence statistics from the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control, and recent international studies, approximately 1 in 150 births fall somewhere on the autism spectrum. Thus over 1.5 million Americans today are believed to have some form of autism. Based on statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and other governmental agencies, autism is growing at a rate of 10-17 percent per year. Autism is now more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined.

The overall incidence of autism is consistent around the globe, but is four times more prevalent in boys than girls. Autism knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries. Family income, lifestyle, and educational levels do not affect the chance of the occurrence of autism.