Autism is a developmental disability that generally appears during the first three years of life and typically lasts a lifetime. The specific cause of Autism still remains a mystery but researchers are looking for answers. It is a complex neurobiological disorder that affects each diagnosed individual differently.
The behaviors can manifest themselves in a variety of ways, but generally the disorder is characterized by impairments in language, difficulties relating to others, and behaviors that include repetition and rigid routines. Typically, children do not "outgrow" Autism, but empirical data shows that it is treatable using Applied Behavior Analysis. Studies demonstrate that early diagnosis and intervention lead to significantly improved outcomes.
STATISTICS
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
approximately 1 in every 150 children in the United States
is diagnosed with Autism. Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with Autism than girls. It occurs across all racial and ethnic groups and is the fastest growing developmental disability today, but there is hope. With early diagnosis and intervention, the cost of lifelong care can be reduced by as much as two-thirds. ►Source: Autism Society of America
Ninety percent of all costs associated with Autism are in adult services. Autism is more common among children than cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. ►Source: Autism Speaks
The economic impact of Autism is $90 billion dollars per year, (yes, that's billion) and it's expected to more than double in the future. ►Source: Talk About Curing Autism
MYTHS ABOUT AUTISM
Myth: Individuals with Autism are not capable of learning.
Fact: All individuals with Autism can learn. If the individual is not learning, it is probably because the teaching methodology failed and needs to be changed. The key is figuring out how they learn and matching the best teaching method to their individual style of learning.
Myth: Most individuals with Autism never learn to talk.
Fact: With early diagnosis and intervention, many individuals with Autism develop very good language skills. Even those who are non-verbal can develop other ways of communicating using tools such as sign language and augmentative or picture communication systems. Early intervention is essential as the likelihood of speech development diminishes after age five.
Myth: Individuals with Autism are unable to feel emotions or develop personal relationships.
Fact:Although sometimes they may not express affection in the conventional way, the majority of people afflicted with Autism are able to show love and affection, form attachments and develop strong connections with others.
Myth: Someone who has Autism does not make eye contact with others.
Fact:This can be a difficult skill for someone with Autism, but many individuals who have Autism can maintain eye contact, although it may be less frequent than a typical person.
Myth: Individuals with Autism are not capable of learning.
Myth: Most individuals with Autism never learn to talk.
Myth: Individuals with Autism are unable to feel emotions or develop personal relationships.
Myth: Someone who has Autism does not make eye contact with others.