Understanding Autism: Facts and Figures

For families with a child or adult diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, there are more resources available than in years past, and more data made public to provide context about ASD. While there is much that is unknown about autism, information can be valuable for understanding ASD.

At Achievement Behavior Services, we help guide families through autism’s complexities by offering Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), whose principles are based on research into the most effective interventions. In an effort to foster understanding of ASD, here are some of the most recent facts as determined by leading research organizations:

• Autism affects 1 in 44 children, with boys four times more likely to be diagnosed than girls, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Autism Association.

• The rate of autism diagnoses has grown steadily over the last two decades, and is the fastest growing developmental disorder.

• An estimated 40% of children with autism are non-verbal. About 25%-30% have some words between 12 and 18 months of age and then lose them.

• Autism is diagnosed among all ethnic and socioeconomic groups, although children in minority groups are diagnosed later and less often.

• Other conditions typically found among people with ASD include asthma, epilepsy, anxiety and sleeping disorders, ADHD, persistent viral infections, and feeding disorders.

• Children born to older parents are at a higher risk for autism. Parents with a child diagnosed with ASD have a 2 to 18 percent chance of having a second child who is affected. 

• Extensive research over the past several decades has found no link between childhood vaccinations and autism.

Research clearly indicates that autism is treatable, and that early intervention is crucial. At Achievement Behavior Services, we urge parents to be aware of the early signs of autism and to have an evaluation and screening performed by a pediatrician or other professional. If you have questions about autism or our highly effective ABA therapy, please contact us today.