What is Autism

Autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder in the United States, and quite possibly the world. According to the most recent report by Centers for Disease Control, 1 in every 88 children in the United States is being diagnosed with autism (an estimated 1 out of 54 boys and 1 in 252 girls). That's greater than the prevalence of pediatric AIDS, cancer, and diabetes combined.

Autism’s personal and emotional costs to the families are immeasurable. Autism never ends; it never takes a holiday. Autism robs the individual of typical development from childhood to adolescence to adulthood. It places a daily strain on loved ones. Not surprisingly, divorce rates among families affected by autism exceed the national average in the United States.

The human dimension of autism can by itself justify the journey we seek to undertake, but an economic case can be made as well. The cost to society in lost wages and productivity, special education, healthcare, and other accommodations and services was recently updated by Autism Speaks funded researchers. The new figure tripled what was reported a mere 5 years ago to reach a staggering $126 billion annually. And with the prevalence of autism on the rise, these figures will only get larger.

The time to act is now. Join us!