What is Autism?

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. The result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Children and adults with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities.

Autism is one of five disorders coming under the umbrella of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), a category of neurological disorders characterized by "severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development," including social interaction and communications skills (DSM-IV-TR). 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 as outlined by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in its Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR).

Prevalence of Autism

Autism is the most common of the Pervasive Developmental Disorders, affecting an estimated 2 to 6 per 1,000 individuals (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2001). This means that as many as 1.5 million Americans today are believed to have some form of autism.

And that number is on the rise. Based on statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and other governmental agencies, autism is growing at a rate of 10-17 percent per year. At these rates, the ASA estimates that the prevalence of autism could reach 4 million Americans in the next decade.

The overall incidence of autism is consistent around the globe, but is four times more prevalent in boys than girls. Autism knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries, and family income, life, and educational levels do not affect the chance of autism's occurrence.

Autism is a spectrum disorder.  Below is the DSM-IV criteria for

Autistic Disorder

Pervasive Development Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified

Asperger's Disorder

Rett's Disorder

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

ABOUT AUTISM

Ten Years ago 1 in 10,000 Individuals Had Autism Two years ago 1 in 500 Individuals had autism Last year 1-250 Individuals had autism Today it is Believed that 1 in 150 Individuals Have Autism. What will the numbers be one year from today? And when will this epidemic get the attention it deserves!

Myths About Autism - It's not what you think!

Milestones - Through Age 8

Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (CHAT)

Diagnostic Criteria For Autism

Other Conditions Related to Autism (Seizure Disorder, Hypotonia, Hyperlexia, Sensory Integration Deficits)

Action Plan for Newly Diagnosed Parents

Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist - interactive internet online scoring system for severity of disability to see if interventions are working.

The Regional Center position paper for assessment, and intervention and family supports for those diagnosed with autism

New York Times Article - Autism Therapy is Called Effective, but Rare

Don't Mourn For Us - Message from Parent of Child with Autism