Autism is a neurological disorder that causes severe impairment in communication, ability to learn, and social relatedness. Although normal in appearance, children with autism may appear withdrawn within their own world and unable to speak and communicate normally. Children with autism typically do not develop creative or imaginative play, may engage in odd behaviors or rituals, and are often resistant to change. Many individuals with autism must be painstakingly taught everything they know.
- Autism occurs in as many as 1 out of every 166 individuals.
- 1.5 million people in the United States today are estimated to have autism or some form of pervasive developmental disorder.
- Autism has grown annually at 10 to 17 percent per year for the past ten years.
- 141,022 children with autism are served by public special education programs.
- Nobody knows for sure what causes autism, though scientists believe that it is a combination of both genetic and environmental factors.
- There is no cure for autism. Intensive early intervention can help children reduce the signs and symptoms of autism. In some cases after intense early intervention and therapy follow up doctors visits show no residual signs of autism, though this is not common.
Source: Department of Developmental Services, Center for Disease Control and Prevention |
