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 concluded that the prevalence of autism had risen to 1 in every 110 births in the United States and almost 1 in 70 boys.
There are over 1.5 million Americans living with the effects of autism spectrum disorder.
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
The Autism Society estimates that the lifetime cost of caring for a child with autism ranges from $3.5 million to $5 million (this figure includes insurance costs, childcare, medications, treatments, therapeutic services, educational spending, housing, transportation, employment (children with Autism become adults with Autism) and caregiver costs.
Getting a diagnosis of Autism is only the beginning for children and their families. This month we will offer information and books that are available to assist families in
treading the Autism landscape.
Thanks for posting this, my daughter has Aspergers and I really appreciate all the blogs spreading the word about April, and just ASD over all, the more people are aware the better off we will all be. Because it is a invisible disability children (then adults) are often judged, and we the parents to of course, it is so hard to watch people not understand why your child is doing something. My daughter is one amazing person, she knows everything there is to possibly know about Eqypt - and then some ;)
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