What is Autism?

 

This is by far the most frequently asked question. In brief, autism is severely incapacitating lifelong developmental disability that typically appears in the first three years of life. It is the result of a neurological disorder that affects functioning of the brain.

 

Autism and its behavioral symptoms occur in approximately 1 in 80n births. Autism is four more times more common in boys than in girls. Parents, when confronted with the diagnosis typically have many questions. It is crucial to find someone to listen to you and answer these questions. Several persons with autism exhibit the genius-like abilities that Dustin Hoffman portrayed in "Rain Man."

 

Autism is one of five disorders that falls under the umbrella of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), a category of neurological disorders characterized by "severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development."

 

The five disorders under PDD are:

 

1. Autistic Disorder

 

2. Asperger's Disorder

 

3. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD)

 

4. Rett's Disorder

 

5. PDD-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)

 

Each of these disorders has specific diagnostic criteria which been outlined in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR).

 

Prevalence of Autism

 

In March 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued their ADDM autism prevalence report. The report concluded that the prevalence of autism had risen to 1 in every 88 births in the United States and almost 1 in 54 boys.  The spotlight shown on autism as a result of the prevalence increase opens opportunities for the nation to consider how to serve these families facing a lifetime of supports for their children.

 

Currently, the Autism Society estimates that the lifetime cost of caring for a child with autism ranges from $3.5 million to $5 million, and that the United States is facing almost $90 billion annually in costs for autism (this figure includes research, insurance costs and non-covered expenses, Medicaid waivers for autism, educational spending, housing, transportation, employment, in addition to related therapeutic services and caregiver costs).

 

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.

 

Information provided by The Autism Society of America.

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