National Autism Awareness Month
The Mayo Clinic defines Autism as one of a group of serious developmental problems called autism spectrum disorders (ASD) that appear in early childhood — usually before age 3. Though symptoms and severity vary, all autism disorders affect a child’s ability to communicate and interact with others.
Starting in the 1970’s, April has been proclaimed as National Autism Awareness Month by the Autism Society of America. The Center for Disease Control estimates that 1 in every 110 children in the United States has an ASD. National Autism Awareness Month is designed to raise funds for research and to show support for the autism community. Autism Awareness Month also promotes the rights of individuals with autism and encourages respect for their differences.
Facts and Statistics About Autism from the Autism Society:
- 1 percent of the population of children in the U.S. ages 3-17 have an autism spectrum disorder.
- Prevalence is estimated at 1 in 110 births.
- 1 to 1.5 million Americans live with an autism spectrum disorder.
- Fastest-growing developmental disability; 1,148% growth rate.
- 10 – 17 % annual growth.
- $60 billion annual cost.
- 60% of costs are in adult services.
- Cost of lifelong care can be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention.
- In 10 years, the annual cost will be $200-400 billion.
- 1 percent of the adult population of the United Kingdom has an autism spectrum disorder.
- The cost of autism over the lifespan is 3.2 million dollars per person.
How Can I Show Support?
To this day, there is still no known single cause for autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families. So how can you get involved and show support? Well, there are a number of ways. You can host an event in your area or volunteer at an already exiting event. Show Your Colors is a way to support autism by purchasing and wearing a bracelet with the symbol of autism, which is a puzzle piece. Reading a book about autism to your children, attending a local event sponsored by your community or supporting legislation are additional ways to show support.
Get Involved!
Click here to view the Autism Society of North Carolina’s calendar of events and see what’s going on in a community near you!
Other Helpful Links
If you would like to learn more about Autism, please click on one of the links below.
The National Autism Association
TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication related handicapped CHildren)