Autism Facts
Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically
appears in the first 3 years of life.
Autism can be diagnosed in children as young as one year old.
1 in 110 children born in the United States this year will be
diagnosed with autism.
Approximately 36,500 new cases of autism are diagnosed per year in
the U.S.
There was a 172% growth in Autism in the 1990's.
It is estimated that about 10% of children with an ASD have an
identifiable genetic, neurological or metabolic disorder, such as
Fragile X or Down syndrome.
More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with
AIDS, diabetes, and cancer combined.
There is no medical detection or cure for autism.
Autism knows no racial, ethnic or social boundaries.
Autism can affect any family regardless of income, lifestyle or
education.
The chances of knowing a person or family affected with autism are
increasing every day.
The economic impact of autism is more than $90 billion and is
expected to double within the next decade.
It is estimated that the lifetime cost to care for an individual
with an ASD is $3.2 million.
Individuals with an ASD had average medical expenditures that
exceeded those without an ASD by $4,110 – $6,200 per year.
78% of families affected by an ASD are unfamiliar with agencies that
could help them.
People with autism may act upset for no apparent reason.
People with autism may engage in self-stimulating behaviors like
hand flapping or rocking.
Compared to other disabilities, Autism is the fastest growing
developmental disability in the U.S.
Between 30% and 51% (41% on average) of the children who have an ASD
also have an Intellectual Disability (I.Q. of 70 or lower).
Autism affects boys four times more often than girls.
Autism is costing the United States at least 35 billion dollars
annually.
Autism affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with
others.
Every person with autism is an individual, and like all individuals,
has a unique personality and combination of characteristics.
If a parent has one child with autism already, there is a 2% - 8%
chance of them having a second child with autism.
There are many theories on the cause of autism, but no consensus.
40% of all children with autism wait more than three years for a
clear diagnosis.
Studies have shown that about one third of parents of children with
an ASD noticed a problem before their child’s first birthday, and
80% saw problems by 24 months.
The overall incidence of autism is consistent around the world.
It is estimated that 3 million Americans and their families are
affected by autism.
More than 80% of adults with autism between 18 and 30 still live at
home.
There is an 81% unemployment rate among adults with autism.
At least 500,000 children with autism will become adults during the
next decade and they will need homes, jobs, friends and a future.
Historical figures who displayed behavioral patterns associated with
the Autism Spectrum include Albert Einstein, Thomas Jefferson, Sir
Isaac Newton, Hans Christian Andersen, Charles Darwin, Michelangelo,
Nicola Tesla, Mozart and Andy Warhol.
Children do not outgrow autism, but symptoms may lessen with
appropriate treatment.
There is no known scientific link between vaccines and autism.