Autism Recovery Stories
Autism statistics show that 1 in 166 children will be diagnosed with autism. They also say that 1 in 104 males will be diagnosed. Which means males are 4 times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than females. It also means that an estimate of 67 children are diagnosed a day.
There is not a full population count of all individuals with autism in the United States. However, using the autism statistics stated above, we can estimate that if 4 million children are born in the United States every year, approximately 24,000 of these children will eventually be diagnosed with autism. More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes, and cancer combined.
Autism statistics also show that it is currently the fastest growing developmental disability, with a 10% to 17% annual growth. Assuming the occurrence rate has been constant over the past two decades, we can estimate that up to 500,000 individuals younger than 21 have autism. However, many of these individuals may not be classified as having autism until school-age or later. Because behaviors related to autism are usually present before the age of 3, it is important to make sure the individuals are being identified and are receiving appropriate intervention services as early as possible. The earlier treatment can be started the better for the child. Not only is it better for the child, but cost of lifelong care can also be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention.
Autism was added as a special education exceptionality in 1991 and is now the sixth most commonly classified disability in the United States.
