Media Kit
Facts and Statistics about Autism
Autism is a complex developmental disability that affects an individual in the areas of social interaction and communication. Autism is a spectrum disorder that affects each individual differently and to varying degrees of severity. As many as 1.5 million Americans - children and adults - are thought to have autism today.
- 1 child in 88 born today may fall on the autism spectrum.
- 1 boy in 54 born today may fall on the autism spectrum.
- More than 1.5 million Americans are living with autism
- 16 million family members and caregivers are impacted
- Fastest-growing developmental disability
- 10 - 17 % annual growth
- Autism increase: 172%
- $35 billion annual cost
- In 10 years, the annual cost will be $200-400 billion
- Cost of lifelong care can be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention
- Autism is treatable
Early Signs of Autism Include:
- Lack of or delay in speech
- Unconventional use of language
- Little or no eye contact
- Difficulty with social interactions
- Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play
- Repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects)
- Persistent preoccupation with objects or their parts
- Insistence on certain routines or rituals
Press contacts: Janine Kruiswijk, (518) 355-2191, jkruiswijk@albanyautism.org or, Cindy Herrmann, (518) 794-7621, cindy@mogulmarketing.com