Many refer to it as an epidemic now that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in every 110 children born in the United States is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, also known as ASD. For boys the numbers are even more alarming, standing at one in 70.
Some suggest this is the result of better diagnosing and record-keeping–plus, in the past, only severely affected children were identified. Moreover, the definition of autism has been expanded to include a range of milder, related conditions, and recently the American Psychiatric Association officially moved Asperger’s into the autism category.
AUTISM FACTS:
• If one identical twin has ASD, there’s a 60%-90% chance that the other will be affected.
• In non-identical twins, if one child has ASD, there’s a 2%-8% chance the other will, too.
• The median age of an ASD diagnosis is between 4.5 and 5.5 years.
• 51% to 91% of the time, developmental concerns are noted before the 3rd birthday.
• Diagnosis is up 10% to 20% annually.
• About 40% of affected children do not talk at all.
• 25% to 30% affected children have some words at 12 to 18 months and then lose them.
• Some children may speak, but not until later in childhood.
• Studies suggest that the cost, over the lifetime of an ASD-diagnosed child, is $3.2 million.
So, of course, we worry. What’s “normal” anyway? Aren’t all kids kind of quirky? Plus, everyone knows you shouldn’t compare one child with another, so… Continue reading ‘Info 101 – Autism Spectrum Disorder’ »