Autism-World

Autism is now estimated to occur in as many as 1 in 166 births (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2004). An estimated 50 children are diagnosed with autism every day. Individuals diagnosed with autism are estimated to be 1.5 Million. Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than girls. Current statistics show autism occurs in all racial, ethnic and social groups.

Many autistic children have learning disabilities. While others have average intelligence, and some individuals are above average. There are also individuals with autism who are considered “savants,” which means they have exceptional skills in at least one area, i.e. art, music, math or memory.

While autism is one of the most common developmental disorders American children face, many professionals in the medical and educational fields are still unaware of the best methods to diagnose and treat the disorder. What we do know is that once a diagnosis is made, initiating early intervention services significantly improves outcomes for people with autism and can reduce the level of funding and services needed later in life.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 14th, 2007 at 9:22 pm and is filed under Children With Autism.