The developmental disability can cause social, communication and behavioral challenges, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Abilities of people with autism may range from severely challenged to highly gifted.
Here are some facts from the CDC and the Texas Autism Society about autism:
Prevalence
As of 2016, about 1 in every 68 school-aged children has autism. Between 2000 and 2010, this number increased by about 119 percent. According to the CDC, about 1 in 150 children were affected by autism in 2000.
Cost
Autism was a $236 billion-$262 billion industry in the U.S. in 2014. The average cost of care throughout the lifespan of a person living with autism is about $1 million more than someone without an intellectual disability.
Annually, it costs about $8,600 more to educate a student with autism. About 35 percent of adults ages 19-23 with autism have not had a job or received postgraduate education.
Signs
Parents can typically note signs of autism within the first year of their child’s life. Children with autism may learn, interact and react differently than others. Experts can typically diagnose a child by age 2 by observing his or her behavior and development.
There is no cure for autism, but early intervention treatment can improve a child’s development. According to the CDC, the following symptoms could lead to an autistic diagnosis:
- not looking at objects when someone points at them;
- having trouble relating to others’ feelings or talking about their own feelings;
- avoiding eye contact;
- wanting to be alone;
- preferring not to be held or cuddled;
- repeating words or phrases said to them;
- repeating actions over and over again;
- struggling to adapt when a routine changes; and
- having trouble expressing needs using typical words or motions.
Risk factors
Scientists and medical professionals do not know all of the causes of autism, but factors may include one's environment, biology and genetics. The following factors may lead to a higher risk of an autistic diagnosis:
- Children who have an autistic sibling are at a higher risk.
- People who have certain genetic or chromosomal conditions may be more likely to have autism.
- Certain prescription drugs taken during pregnancy have been linked to autism in children.
- Children born to older parents are at greater risk for having autism.
For more information about autism or to find local resources that can help, visit www.autismspeaks.org.
