What is Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability characterized by social, communication and behavioral challenged. The term “spectrum” reflects the wide variation in challenges and strengths possessed by each person with autism. A diagnosis of ASD now includes several conditions that used to be diagnosed separately including autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder and Asperger syndrome.  

Statistics and Facts

• The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 1 in 54 children are diagnosed with autism in the United States.
• ASD is reported to occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups 
• ASD is more than 4 times more common among boys than among girls 

The Signs

6 Months

• Little or no eye Contact
• Little or no smiles or engaging expressions

9 Months

• Little or no engaging sounds 

12 Months

• Little or no hand gestures 
• Little or no response to name 

16 Months

• Little or no words spoken 

24 Months

• Little or no meaningful phrases 

Any Age 

• Intense reactions to sounds smells, tastes, textures, and/or lights 
• Trouble understanding other’s feelings 
• Loss of speech or social skills 
• Delayed language development 
• Resistance to changes in routing or surroundings