About Autism

Children and adults with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal leisure or play activities.

Autism is a spectrum disorder that affects each individual differently and to varying degrees.  It is four times more prevalent in boys than girls, and knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries.  Family income, lifestyle, and education levels do not affect the chance of autism's occurrence.

Autism typically appears during the first three years of life.  The result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, Autism and it's associated behavior have been estimated to occur in as many as 2 to 6 in 1,000 individuals (Centers of Disease Control and Prevention - 2001).  This means that as many as 1.5 millions Americans - children and adults - are thought to have some form of autism today.

Based on statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and other governmental agencies, autism is growing at a rate of 10-17 percent per year.  At these rates it is estimated by the Autism Society of America, that the prevalence of autism could reach 4 million Americans in the next decade.