Twenty facts about autism you'll want to know

Twenty facts about autism you'll want to know

Since Autism Speaks' founding in 2005, the organization has helped the nation and the world better understand autism and better treat the disease. Here are some facts about autism that Autism Speaks has brought to the forefront:

1. The number of people diagnosed with autism has increased rapidly over the past 10 years.

In 2005, the number of people diagnosed with autism was just one in 166. Ten years later, the number of people diagnosed with the condition rose to one in 68, an increase of more than 100% in the last decade.

2. Direct screening studies suggest that the number of people with autism may be higher than one in 68.

In a recent study in South Korea, researchers funded by Autism Speaks found that one in 38 children had autism. Most of these children had not been diagnosed prior to this study. The organization is currently negotiating with the CDC in the US to conduct a similar study using direct screening in classrooms across the US.

3. Reliable diagnoses of autism in children can be made by the age of two.

Earlier diagnosis and subsequent intervention may improve outcomes. Autism Speaks provides early screening to more people, particularly in communities that have been underserved in recent years.

4. With the highest quality early intervention, a child's brain development and brain activity can improve over time.

Because the brain has a certain degree of plasticity, the earlier the intervention occurs, the greater the likelihood of it having a positive impact on brain development. At a practical level, such interventions will help reduce the need and resulting costs of comprehensive behavioral and educational support during childhood.

5. For people with autism, behavioral therapy can change their lives for the better.

Research shows solid evidence of the benefits of behavioral therapy. With this evidence, Autism Speaks was able to win new laws in 38 states that require health insurance to cover the cost of behavioral therapy for people with autism. These people and their families, once denied necessary treatment, are now making progress.

6. About a third of people with autism are nonverbal.

For this reason, Autism Speaks supports the research and development of new devices to help these people communicate. The organization has donated these assistive communication devices to many thousands of families affected by autism.

7. Communication aids can encourage speech in many non-verbal children.

Research sponsored by Autism Speaks found that some children with autism who did not speak by age 5 do not necessarily remain nonverbal for the rest of their lives. Some can learn to speak and assistive devices help them with this process.

8. Autism-related gastrointestinal problems are real.

Research conducted by theAutism Treatment Networkhas found that 50% of children affected by autism suffer from gastrointestinal disorders of various types. In fact, the pain from these disorders can lead to worsening behavioral symptoms. Autism Speaks has created treatment guidelines for pediatricians who treat children with autism, as well as tools to help parents address their children's issues.

9. Sleep problems are common in people with autism.

Although sleep disorders are common in people with autism, they are treatable. Autism Speaks has sponsored research that has provided evidence-based toolkits for parents to help their children overcome these disorders. They have also provided medical guidelines for physicians treating sleep disorders in people with autism.

10. Epilepsy occurs in almost a third of people with autism.

Although potentially dangerous, not all seizures are obvious to the untrained eye. Specialized testing is essential in autism healthcare to rule out epilepsy in people with autism.

11. Autism can be a whole-body disorder.

Because people with autism are more likely to suffer from sleep disorders, GI disorders, and epilepsy, Autism Speaks recommends that physicians use a “whole-person approach” when providing healthcare to people with autism.

12. Personalized treatment can now be guided using whole genome sequencing.

TheMSSNGThe program, sponsored by Autism Speaks, has changed the future of autism treatment. By conducting genome sequencing on thousands of families affected by the disease, researchers will gain actionable information that can help them develop new, more targeted drugs for autism.

13. The environment plays an important role in the development of autism.

A few years ago, experts believed autism was entirely hereditary. After further research theAutism Genetic Resource Exchange, a branch of Autism Speaks, discovered that non-hereditary influences account for about half of a child's risk of developing autism.

14. Research has identified some of the environmental factors that can lead to autism.

If a mother has had an infection or been exposed to air pollution during her pregnancy, the risk of her child developing autism increases. Potential mothers who take prenatal vitamins before conception and continue to take them after pregnancy can reduce the risk of their child developing autism.

15. Almost 50% of people with autism have a tendency to slip or wander.

Autism Speaks Cash programs to prevent people with autism from wandering or going crazy. They also inform first responders about these tendencies in people affected by autism.

16. Bullying affects nearly two-thirds of children with autism.

Together with the National Center for Learning Disabilities, Autism Speaks has raised awareness of bullying of children with special needs.

17. 84 percent of adults with autism still live in their parents' home.

Autism Speaks has asked federal and state government officials to enact policies that provide more life options for adults affected by autism.

18. Almost half of 25-year-old adults struggling with autism have never had regular paid employment.

In partnership with employers and educators, Autism Speaks continues to advocate for increased support for young adults with autism in vocational and post-secondary institutions, as well as employment opportunities for them upon graduation.

19. Each year, 50,000 teenagers either graduate from high school or become too old to receive school-based autism services.

Autism Speaks works with private and public institutions to support people with autism as they transition into adulthood. With your support, these individuals can share their many valuable gifts with their communities.

20. The cost to families affected by autism during a person's lifetime typically ranges from $1.4 million to $2.4 million.

Depending on whether the person with autism also has an intellectual disability, these costs may increase or decrease. Early diagnosis and quality interventions, as well as supporting people with autism's transition into adulthood, can help reduce these costs significantly.

Inspired by Paul Napier, MA, BCBA