Autism Statistics

Here are some autism statistics and facts from Autism Speaks.

• Autism affects 1 in 88 children and 1 in 54 boys
• More children will be diagnosed in 2012 than with AIDS, diabetes, and cancer combined
• Boys are four more times likely than girls to have autism

Why is  autism on the rise?

Per this WebMD article, there are different explanations:

• There has been a broadening in the diagnosis.
• More screening and testing assessments have been developed, so that experts are better at detecting autism early on.
• There is an increasing awareness of autism spectrum conditions.

Prevalence versus Funding in the United States

• Leukemia: Affects 1 in 1,200 / Funding: $277 million
• Muscular Dystrophy: Affects 1 in 100,000 / Funding: $162 million
• Pediatric AIDS: Affects 1 in 300 / Funding: $394 million
• Juvenile Diabetes: Affects 1 in 500 / Funding: $156 million
• Autism: Affects 1 in 88 / Funding: $79 million

National Institutes of Health Funds Allocation

Total 2011 NIH budget: $30.5 billion
Of this, only $169 million goes directly to autism research. This represents 0.6% of total NIH funding.

Other Interesting Autism Statistics

Autism Society points out that the cost of lifelong care for those on the spectrum can be reduced by 2/3 through intensive early intervention.

Created by www.RomanticFrugalMom.com for www.ThrivingWithAutism.com

Here are some autism facts regarding the variations that exist on the spectrum.  I quote from Thriving With Autism:

The three main diagnoses under the Autism umbrella are: Asperger’s, PDD-NOS (Pervasive Development Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified) and Autism.

Asperger Syndrome, otherwise known as high-functioning Autism, is often harder to diagnose.  To the untrained eye, someone might describe a person with Asperger’s as “quirky”.  But to the trained therapist, a person with Asperger Syndrome struggles mostly in the area of socialization. They often have difficulties with a two-way conversation that isn’t solely focused around their own personal interests. They also have behavioral difficulties, but they may be to a lesser degree than someone with full-blown ‘typical’ Autism (if there is such a thing).

PDD-NOS is often considered the ‘middle-of-the-road’ diagnosis. People with PDD-NOS can be very intelligent, but they, too, may have difficulties socializing. They may also be working on communication issues, and they are likely to have behavior issues to a more heightened degree than someone with Asperger Syndrome.

Autism, in its truest form, will include all three areas–behavior, communication & socialization–to a significant level.  These are the people whom you may see more of in the public service announcements for Autism. They may also be easier to see in the community because their needs may be significant, and well, they tend to stand out more.

What are your thoughts about these autism statistics and facts? Share them below!

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