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| Links to Resources |
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The
Autism Channel Autism
Research Institute The
Autism Society of America The
Montgomery County Maryland Chapter of the Autism Society of America AutismSource Autism
Speaks & National Alliance for Autism Research Center
for the Study of Autism The
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Treatment
and Education of Autistic and Related Communication-Handicapped
Children
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| What is Autism? |
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» Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Both children and adults with autism typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. Autism is a spectrum disorder; this means that it affects each individual differently and at varying degrees. This is why early diagnosis is so crucial. By learning the signs, a child can begin benefiting from one of the many specialized intervention programs. » Autism is one of five disorders that falls under the umbrella of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), a category of neurological disorders characterized by “severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development.” The five disorders under PDD are: Autistic Disorder; Asperger's Disorder; Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD); Rett's Disorder; and PDD-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). Each of these disorders has specific diagnostic criteria which have been outlined in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR). Source: |
| U.S. Autism Statistics: |
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» Based on prevalence statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2007), as reported by the Autism Society of America, 1 in 150 persons have a diagnosis of autism. » Based on the autism prevalence rate of 2 to 6 per 1,000 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2001) and the 2000 U.S. Census figure of 280 million Americans, as reported by the Autism Society of America, 1 to 1.5 million Americans have a diagnosis of autism. » According to the U.S. Department of Education's "Twenty-First Annual Report to Congress on the Implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act" (1999), autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in America with a 10 - 17 % annual growth. » In the 1990s, the incidence of autism rose 172%. By comparison, during this same period, the U.S. population rose 13% while disabilities rose 16%. |
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