The Facts About Autism

[Guest guest]

According to the data gathered by the National Institutes of Health

and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, autism is

estimated to affect 1 for every 166 births. It is believed that about

1.5 million Americans are suffering from some form of Autism. It is

the fastest-growing developmental disability that has a 10-17% annual

growth.

In 1999, the US Department of Education had reported that there was a

172% increase on the prevalence of disability due to autism. Based on

the study conducted by The Autism Society of America, the annual cost

needed for the services related to autism will be $200-400 billion in

10 years as the number of people with the disorder reach 4 million in

the next decade.

Autism can appear to any race, social background, class, gender, and

to any child. It is four times more prevalent in males than in

females.

What is Autism?

Autism is a cognitive disorder that affects the developmental or

learning ability of an individual. The manifestations of the disorder

usually appear as early as the first three years of life. As a result

of the neurological disorder, it disrupts the normal functioning of

the brain affecting the development of the communication skills and

social interaction skills of the person. Difficulties in verbal and

non-verbal communication, leisure activities, and social interaction

are seen in both children and adults with the disorder. One should

take note however, that there are varying degrees of autism for

different individuals. For this reason, an early diagnosis is highly

recommended. This is crucial so that the child can immediately

benefit from the available specialized programs catering for the care

of someone with autism....

autismnvc