Autism knows no boundaries

Autism is commonly said to cut across all lines of race, class, and ethnicity. Emerging trends show that rising rates of autism are being reported worldwide and are not concentrated in any one particular region. As far as we know, race, ethnicity, family income and educational levels do not affect the chance of the disorder’s occurrence.  However, a recent CDC study made public this month showed that autism is more common in non-Hispanic white children but that there have been increases in all racial groups. It remains uncertain whether the prominence of autism is an indication that the condition is in fact on the rise or it is merely a sign of increased public awareness and better diagnosis.  What is certain is that the rise in the number of autistic spectrum disorder cases worldwide has pushed the condition to the forefront of public consciousness. While as a society we have made considerable progress in our attitudes about autism, controversy remains over the causes of autism and how we can prevent it. Following are some autism statistics that may help you gain a clearer picture of autism spectrum disorder.

While it was previously thought that Autism is estimated to occur in as many as 1 out of every 150 births in the U.S, recent CDC studies show that number may be as high as 1 in 100.

The CDC states that autism cases are four to five times higher among boys than girls, with 1 in 70 boys and 1 in 315 girls identified.

Between 1 to 1.5 million Americans are afflicted with an autism spectrum disorder.

A child with an autistic sibling is 25 times more likely to develop the condition

Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disorder in the country, with a registered growth rate of 10% to 17% every year.

While there is currently no known cure for autism, applied behavior analysis (ABA) is widely regarded as the most effective treatment for autism and is the only scientifically proven method boasting evidenced-backed research to support its effectiveness.