What is Autism?

Autism is a complex developmental disability that affects each individual to varying degrees of severity. It often coexists with disabilities or illnesses such as epilepsy, mental retardation, cerebral palsy and others. Some individuals live with serious impairments in thinking and language. Others function at high levels and may possess special talents; most require a highly structured environment and specialized services. While there is not a cure for autism, treatment and education can reduce many of the challenges associated with this pervasive disability.

• Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the U.S.
• 1 in every 150 persons born today will be affected by autism.
• 1 in 94 boys is on the autism spectrum.
• Autism is more common than childhood cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined.
  • Leukemia affects 1 in 25,000
  • Muscular Dystrophy affects 1 in 20,000
  • Juvenile Diabetes affects 1 in 500
  • The Polio epidemic affected 1 in 3,000

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