What is autism?

From the National Institute of Neurological Disorders - Autism is the most common condition in a group of developmental disorders known as the autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Autism is characterized by impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and unusual, repetitive, or severely limited activities and interests. Other ASDs include Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (usually referred to as PDD-NOS).

According to the Autism Speaks website:

• 1 in 150 children is diagnosed with autism
  
• 67 children are diagnosed per day
  
• A new case is diagnosed almost every 20 minutes
  
• More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined
  
• Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
  
• Autism costs the nation over $90 billion per year, a figure expected to double in the next decade
  
• Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases
  
• There is no medical detection or cure for autism

For more information regarding early intervention and treatment please visit www.autism-society.org.