Get the Facts About Autism
- Autism is a bio-neurological developmental disability that generally appears before the age of 3.
- Autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction, communication skills, and cognitive function. Individuals with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities.[1]
- It is estimated that 1 in 110 children in the US has Autism.[2]
- Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the country, affecting 1 to 1.5 million Americans.[3]
- Autism is diagnosed four times more often in boys than girls. Its prevalence is not affected by race, region, or socio-economic status. Since autism was first diagnosed in the U.S. the occurrence has climbed to an alarming one in 150 people across the country.[4]
- A new version of the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) is expected to be released in 2012 that is expected to redefine how Autism will be diagnosed. [5]
- “The Workgroup is considering a change in DSM-V that would replace the Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) category with the title “Autism Spectrum Disorders” (ASD). The change would utilize a single diagnosis for the disorders currently entitled: Autism, PDD-NOS and Asperger disorder. “[6]
- “To better reflect the symptomatology and clinical presentation of ASD, changing the three current symptom domains (social deficits, communication deficits and fixated interests/repetitive behaviors) to two (social communication deficits and fixated interests and repetitive behaviors) is also being considered.” [7]
[1] Based on DSM-IV, Psychological Diagnostic Criteria.
[2] “Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders – Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, United States, 2006.” Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Morbitity and Mortality Weekly Report, 18 December 2009.
[3] Based on the previous autism prevalence rate of 1 in 150 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2007) and 2000 U.S. Census figure of 280 million Americans.
[4] National Autism Association Definition of Autism. http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/definitions.php
[5] American Psychiatric Association, http://www.psych.org/dsmv.aspx
[6] American Psychiatric Association Proposed changes.
[7] American Psychiatric Association Proposed Changes.
