APRIL IS AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH!

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 is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain.

 -67 children are diagnosed with Autism every day.

 -More children will be diagnosed with Autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined.

 -Autism is the fastest growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.

 -Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases.

- Autism if four times more common in boys than in girls.

- Autism affects an estimated 1 in 150 births (Centers for Disease Control Prevention, 2007).

-Early identification and intervention are critical.  If you are concerned about your child's development consider having your child screened for Autism.  See "Red Flags" at www.firstsigns.org.

-Autism is considered a "spectrum disorder" and is commonly called ASD or Autism Spectrum Disorder.  Characteristics and behaviors of people with ASD vary greatly.