ASD

ASD is a perplexing and mysterious developmental disability.

There is no agreed-upon cause.
(Lots of controversy about that). There is no “cure.” (Lots of controversy about that too).

No medical, educational or behavioral intervention works for every child, making the choices for both parents and professionals especially daunting, and sometimes frightfully expensive. (No controversy there).

Families and professionals on the ASD journey face countless unique challenges. Thankfully, there’s lots of help and guidance, especially here on the Internet.

Reach out. It’s okay. We all need each other. Send us an email, or visit our links page, and connect.

During the past 10 years, the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) has been increasing at an alarming rate.

According to the Autism Society of America (ASA), ASD is the fastest growing developmental disability (10-17 percent annually), is a factor in one out of
150 live births (recently adjusted from one in 166), and affects between 1 to 1.5 million Americans.

At this rate, ASA estimates that the prevalence of autism could reach four million Americans in the next decade. Most states have experienced staggering diagnostic increases. In California, for example, ASD diagnoses rose 633 percent between 1987 and 1998. In the U.S., a new case of ASD is diagnosed nearly every 20 minutes; which translates into 24,000 new cases every year.

ASD occurrence is four times more likely in boys than girls, knows no racial, ethnic or social boundaries, is more common than Down Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis or Cystic Fibrosis.

For an in-depth look at the numbers, click here.