National Autism Awareness Month
HealthWatch for April 2006
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Autism is a complex brain disorder that causes a range of developmental problems. The most obvious signs include impaired communication and socialization, typically evident by age 3 and continuing through life.
Prevalence of Autism
Autism is the most common of the Pervasive Developmental Disorders, affecting an estimated 1 in 166 births (Centers for Disease Control Prevention, 2004). Roughly translated, this means as many as 1.5 million Americans today are believed to have some form of autism. And this number is on the rise.
Based on statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and other governmental agencies, autism is growing at a startling rate of 10-17 percent per year. At this rate, the ASA estimates that the prevalence of autism could reach 4 million Americans in the next decade.
Autism knows no racial, ethnic, social boundaries, family income, lifestyle, or educational levels and can affect any family, and any child.
And although the overall incidence of autism is consistent around the globe, it is four times more prevalent in boys than in girls.
The cause of this disorder isn’t clear, however scientists believe genetics plays a role. There’s no cure, but autism is a treatable condition. Children with autism benefit from arly individualized, intensive interventions.
State and Local Resources
Autism Society of Ohio
Greater Akron Chapter of the Autism Society of Ohio
Greater Cleveland Chapter of the Autism Society of Ohio
The Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism
Cuyahoga County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities
Lorain County Network of Care
Monarch School and Services for Autistic Children and Adolescents
Netwellness: Autism
Ohio Department of Education Office for Exceptional Children
Ohio State Autism Resources
The Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital Autism Center
National Resources
“Autism: Reaching for a Brighter Future,” Service Guide (105 page pdf download)
Autism Society of America
PubMed: National Library of Medicine
Support for Health and Human Services programming on WVIZ/PBS and 90.3 WCPN ideastream comes from the Woodruff Foundation, The McGregor Foundation, The Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation, The Cleveland Foundation, The George Gund Foundation, Dr. Donald J. Goodman and Ruth Weber Goodman Philanthropic Fund of The Cleveland Foundation, and The Community Foundation of Lorain County.
