Proclamation Signing on April 1st at the Governor's Office for Autism Awareness Month

Friday, January 29, 2010

HOW COMMON IS AUTISM?

As many as one out of every 166 babies born today will be diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, and the incidence of autism is rising. This frightening statistic led the U.S. Congress in 2002 to declare autism as a "national health crisis". Autism is more common than childhood cancer, Cystic Fibrosis, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and Multiple Sclerosis. It is estimated that as many as 1.5 million children and adults have autism, and tens of millions of parents, caregivers, educators and health care professionals are impacted by ASD.
Source: Autism Society of America (ASA)