Autism Facts

Facts about Autism

• Autism affects individuals differently and to varying degrees of severity. It is characterized by impairments in communication and social interaction, unusual sensory responses, repetitive behaviors, and difficulties with changes in daily routines. (Autism Society of America, 2005)
• Autism affects one child in 166 (Center for Disease Control, 2005)
  
• The exact cause of autism is not known
  
• Autism has been found throughout the world in every country in which it has been studied
  
• Three out of four people with autism are male
  
• Autism is identifiable as early as 12 to 15 months of age, but is usually diagnosed between the ages of two and four
  
• There is no relationship between socioeconomic status and autism
  
• There is no known cure
  
• The number of children with autism has increased 500 percent in the last 10 years