Autism has become a national economic, social, and health crisis.
Consider these facts compiled by the Autism Society of America:
- Autism is the fast growing disability in America, increasing at a rate of 10-17% annually.
- 50 families in the U.S. a day will learn that autism has struck their family.
- Ten years ago the rate of autism was 1 in 10,000.
- Today autism spectrum disorders occur in 1 per 150 births, the rate for classic autism is 1 in 400.
- In less than 10 years, autism will be the number one disability in the U.S.
- The number of Americans with autism is 1 million to 1.5 million.
- Autism affects individuals from all racial, ethnic, and economic groups.
- The regressive type of autism is now the major type of autism.
- There is no known cause or cure for autism.
- 60% of those with autism are under age 11.
- People with autism will live an average life span.
- The annual cost of autism is $20 - $60 billion.
- $34 billion of future costs are added each year.
- In 10 years, the annual cost of treating autism will be $55-$300 billion.
- 90% of the costs are in adult services.
- The cost of treatment over the lifespan can be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and appropriate early intervention.
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What is autism?
Autism is a neurobiological, developmental disorder that usually appears within the first three years of life. Symptoms include difficulties in the following areas:
- Social interaction - difficulty relating to and interacting with people
- Communication - using and understanding language, 10% of individuals with autism never speak
- Behavior - unusual, repetitive behaviors, insistence on sameness, tantrums
- Sensory integration - dislike of and over-reaction to certain sounds, sights, tastes, textures; high pain tolerance; reaction to extreme temperature; low muscle tone; very passive or very active
- Cognitive - literal thinking, splinter (uneven) skills, problems with executive functioning, learning disabilities, inability to realize other people have their own point of view, narrow or focused attention span, specialized interests
Autism is a spectrum disorder meaning that an individual may be mildly, moderately, or severely impaired in any of the above areas, resulting in a unique profile for each individual. Autism is more common in males than in females.
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What is needed
If we continue at current levels of awareness, interest, and funding the economic impact to our country trying to deliver services to such a large number of people throughout their lifespan will be devastating. The Autism Society of America has outlined four critical areas that need to be addressed by the government:
- Autism research
- Early diagnosis and early intervention for children with autism
- Education, speech therapy and sensory integration therapy f or children with autism
- Supports and services for adults with autism
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In Ohio, the Autism Society of Ohio has set these priorities:
- Insurance parity and coverage for needed services
- Enforcement of the IDEA and access to FAPE
- Residential options and waivers
Remember, early diagnosis and intervention can mitigate some of the devastating effects of this disorder. Children with autism and their families need school and summer school programs, social skills training, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral interventions, before and after-school care, respite care, summer programs, recreational programs, prevocational training, and life planning services. Since autism is a lifespan disorder, all of the people served in early intervention programs and by the school system are going to grow up and continue to need services. In addition to the services that children need, adults with autism need vocational training and support, job opportunities, support to live in the residential living option that best meets their needs, and recreational opportunities.
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