Autism from a Father's Point of View

Autism Facts

Written on June 8, 2010 by Stuart Duncan

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Below are some startling facts about Autism that you may or may not have known. This is why we fight so hard to find a way to prevent this from getting worse… which it does do, every single year.

• The three hallmark features of autism: communication challenges, impaired social interactions, and repetitive behaviour
• Autism is the fastest growing disability in the United States.
• Autism is more common than childhood cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined.
• Autism now affects 1 in 110 children and 1 in 70 boys.
• Approximately 67 million people worldwide are affected by autism.
• The rate of autism is growing at 14% per year around the world. In China it is growing at a rate of 20% a year.
• 1 percent of the population of children in the U.S. ages 3-17 have an autism spectrum disorder.
• The WHO estimates that there are 1,100,000 cases of autism in China; 650,000 in the UK; 500,000 in the Philippines.
• The cost of autism over the lifespan is 3.2 million dollars per person.
• Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases.
• Autism research receives 0.5% of the total National Institutes of Health funds allocation budget.
• Many children with autism have a reduced sensitivity to pain but may be extra sensitive to sound, touch and hearing.
• One in 10 extremely premature infants tested positive for autism.
• Children who are born underweight or premature may have a higher risk for autism.
• In 2008, several autistic children from different families were linked to a single sperm donor called ‘Donor X.’
• Autism was added as a special education in 1991 and now is the sixth most common classified disability in the U.S.
• In families with one autistic child, the risk of having a second child with the disorder is approximately 5%.
• Babies born to men over 40 yrs old were almost 6 times more likely to have autism than fathers under 30 yrs old.
• Researchers recommend autistic testing if a baby doesn’t babble or coo by 12 months.
• Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are guaranteed free, appropriate public education under federal laws.

Fact Source: twitter.com/trendfacts