| According to Autism statistics given by the | | | | There is not a complete population count of all the |
| Center for Disease Control (CDC), Autism | | | | individuals diagnosed with autism in the United |
| Spectrum Disorder is on a rise and is now the | | | | States. However, using the autism statistics given |
| sixth most commonly classified disability in the | | | | above, we can estimate that if 4 million children |
| United States. | | | | are born in the United States every year, |
| Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex | | | | approximately 24,000 of these children will |
| developmental disability and neurological disorder | | | | eventually be diagnosed with Autism Spectrum |
| that affects the functioning of the brain in areas | | | | Disorder. |
| of social interaction, communication, and causes | | | | By evaluating these autism statistics it can be |
| development of unusual behaviors and interests | | | | concluded that autism is currently the fastest |
| that begins at birth or within the first | | | | growing developmental disability, with a 10% to |
| two-and-a-half years of life and affects the way | | | | 17% annual growth. Assuming the occurrence |
| a child sees and interacts with the rest of the | | | | rate has been constant over the past two |
| world. Autism Spectrum Disorder was also added | | | | decades, we can estimate that up to 500,000 |
| as a special education exceptionality in 1991 and | | | | individuals younger than 21 have autism. However, |
| autism statistics indicate that more children will be | | | | many of these individuals may not be classified as |
| diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, | | | | having autism until school-age or later. Because |
| diabetes, and cancer combined. | | | | behaviors related to autism are usually present |
| Statistically 1 in 150 children will be diagnosed with | | | | before the age of 3, it is important to make sure |
| Autism Spectrum Disorder with an estimate that | | | | the individuals are being identified and are receiving |
| 1 in 104 of those children will be males. With that | | | | appropriate intervention services as early as |
| being stated, males are 4 times more likely to be | | | | possible. The earlier treatment can be started the |
| diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder than | | | | better for the child. Not only is it better for the |
| females, as well as an estimate of 67 children are | | | | child, but cost of lifelong care can also be reduced |
| diagnosed a day. | | | | by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention. |