- Autism 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
- Individuals with autism often suffer from numerous co-morbid
medical conditions which may include: allergies, asthma,
epilepsy, digestive disorders, persistent viral infections,
feeding disorders, sensory integration dysfunction, sleeping
disorders, and more
- Autism is diagnosed four times more often in boys than girls.
Its prevalence is not affected by race, region, or socio-economic
status. Since autism was first diagnosed in the U.S. the
incidence has climbed to an alarming one in 44 children in the
U.S.
- Autism itself does not affect life expectancy, however
research has shown that the mortality risk among individuals with
autism is twice as high as the general population, in large part
due to drowning and other accidents.
- Currently there is no cure for autism, though with early
intervention and treatment, the diverse symptoms related to
autism can be greatly improved and in some cases completely
overcome.
- Autism now affects 1 in 44 children; over half are
classified as having an intellectual disability or borderline
intellectual disability
- Boys are four times more likely to have autism than girls
- About 40% of children with autism do not speak. 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)
- The rate of autism has steadily grown over the last twenty
years
- 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, sleeping disorders, immune disorders, autoimmune
disorders, and neuroinflammation.
- Autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder, yet
most underfunded
- A 2008 Danish Study found that the mortality risk among those
with autism was nearly twice that of the general population
- Children with autism do progress – early intervention is key
- Autism is treatable, not a hopeless condition
