How common is autism?
Autism spectrum disorders are some of the most common developmental disorders, with up to 1 in 100 school children affected, compared to: 1 in 500 affected by cerebral palsy 1 in 3,000 affected by cystic fibrosis 1 in 4,000 affected by juvenile diabetes 6,000 children received a diagnosis of autism in England and Wales in 2005, compared to: 1,300 diagnoses of childhood cancer including around 360 of childhood leukaemia. In total, more than half a million people in the UK have an autism spectrum disorder, with a new diagnoses being made four times an hour every working day. Boys are four times more likely to develop autism than girls.
Autism is the most common of the Pervasive Developmental Disorders, affecting an estimated 1 in 150 births (Centers for Disease Control Prevention, 2007). Roughly translated, this means as many as 1.5 million Americans today are believed to have some form of autism. And this number is on the rise. Based on statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and other governmental agencies, autism is growing at a startling rate of 10-17 percent per year. At this rate, the ASA estimates that the prevalence of autism could reach 4 million Americans in the next decade. Autism knows no racial, ethnic, social boundaries, family income, lifestyle, or educational levels and can affect any family, and any child. And although the overall incidence of autism is consistent around the globe, it is four times more prevalent in boys than in girls.
As many as 1 in 150 children are autistic, according to the Centers for Disease Control. That adds up to almost 1.5 million people in the United States. Also, government statistics suggest the rate of autism is rising 10-17 percent annually. Unfortunately, the numbers appear to be continuing their upward climb. In fact, it is the most prevalent developmental disorder to date; according to the Centers for Disease Control, of the approximately 4 million babies born every year, 24,000 of them will eventually be identified as autistic. Also, recent studies suggest boys are more susceptible than girls to developing autism. In the United States alone, 1 out of 104 boys are suspected of being on the spectrum, with perhaps more going undiagnosed to this day. That said, girls appear to manifest a more severe form of the disorder than their male counterparts.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects as many as 1 in every 150 children in the United States. Therefore, it is estimated that 1.5 million Americans may be affected with autism. Also, government statistics suggest the rate of autism is rising 10-17 percent annually. Unfortunately, the numbers appear to be continuing their upward climb. In fact, it is the most prevalent developmental disorder to date; according to the Centers for Disease Control, of the approximately 4 million babies born every year, 24,000 of them will eventually be identified as autistic. Also, recent studies suggest boys are more susceptible than girls to developing autism. In the United States alone, 1 out of 94 boys are suspected of being on the spectrum, with perhaps more going undiagnosed to this day. That said, girls appear to manifest a more severe form of the disorder than their male counterparts.
Autism disorders are essentially developmental disabilities that affect social interaction and communication. They are also characterized by unusual behaviors and interests. However, the spectrum of autism disorders varies greatly. According to the Autism Society of America, it is possible for children with the exact same diagnosis to act completely different from one another and yet, exhibit varying capabilities. Autism and other disorders on the autism spectrum are more common than many people think. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in 150 children are diagnosed with a disorder on the autism spectrum by the time the child is 8 years old. Boys are diagnosed more often than girls, but both are affected. Early warning signs may be subtle, but they are important to recognize. The earlier a child is diagnosed, the better chance an appropriate treatment can be prescribed.
