Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by extreme behavioral challenges. In February 2007, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that Autism Spectrum Disorders are diagnosed in one in 150 children in the United States, affecting up to seven times as many boys than girls. The diagnosis of autism has increased tenfold in the last decade. The CDC has called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.

Facts and Figures

• Recent studies show the rate of autism occurs in 1 out of 150 births. The occurrence in boys is up to 7 times more prevalent than girls.
• Autism can often be detected as early 18 months of age. However, the average diagnosis age is still 5 years.
• While there is no known cause or cure for autism, we do know that intervention, particularly early-intervention, can help tremendously.
• To date there are no long-term studies on autism and what therapies are most effective. Therefore, it is up to the parents to research what is best for their child.
• Under federal mandates, basic services may be covered by local school districts or government entities. However, the cost of contemporary services most likely fall outside of their purview and are not covered by medical insurance and, therefore, fall squarely on the caretakers.

Autism Myths

There are many misleading myths concerning autism. It's imperative that people understand that these are, in fact, myths and that every person should be treated as an individual.

• Autism is an emotional disability.
• You can tell right away if someone has Autism.
• Children with Autism never make eye contact.
• Children with Autism cannot show affection.
• Children with Autism all exhibit the same traits.
• Children with Autism do not talk.
• Children with Autism do not smile.
• Children with Autism do not want friends.
• Children with Autism can perform amazing mental feats, such as memorizing the telephone book or multiplying large numbers in their heads.
• Children with Autism are completely cut off from human relationships.

All of these statements are false. They are all myths.