Autism is a complex developmental disorder that typically appears in children between the ages of 18 months to 5 years old. It is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a “spectrum disorder” that affects individuals uniquely. According to the Centers of Disease Control(CDC), autism affects 1 in every 54 (2016) children in the United States. In April of 2016 the CDC updated its autism prevalence report. It estimated that over 3.5 million people in the US live on the autism spectrum. Researchers are investigating a number of theories, including the link between genetics, medical issues and environmental triggers. Currently, there is no known cause or cure for Autism.
Typically Autism affects individuals in five key areas:
- Communication
- Social Skills
- Behaviors
- Learning
- Medical Issues
Facts:
- Autism is a life long disability
- About 1 percent of the world population has autism spectrum disorder. (CDC, 2014)
- Centers for Disease Control states 1 in 54 children (2016) in U.S have autism, 5 times as many boys
- In the 1980’s the cases of autism were 1 in 10,000 births
- Autism is a spectrum disorder affecting each person uniquely
- 92% of children with autism are below the age of 18
- Autism is the most common disability in California
- Between 1987-1998 there was a 633% increase in cases of autism in California
- Lanterman Act of California provides Regional funding for autism
- School districts in California pay for services, such as educational, speech, behavioral, occupational and Early Intervention therapy before the age of 22
- Regional Center of California provides funding for Day programming after the age of 22
- Funding cuts have not exceeded 4% for the disabled since 1970s
- Only 16.8 percent of the population with disabilities is employed.