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Autism - No Two Autistic Children Are Alike

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Autism is a spectrum disorder and as a result of being one, you cannot group all autistic people into one category. They all have different types and severities of autism. Autism affects their worlds differently. Just like no two people are the same, no two sufferers of autism spectrum disorders are the same. You can have a person with autism who is self sufficient and able to function at a relatively normal level or you can have an autistic individual who is completely reliant on others for help with daily functioning. So what are the general types of autism?

Asperger’s syndrome. This is a mild form of autism in which the functioning level of the individual is much the same as those around them. This form of autism also responds quite well to typical therapies and treatments. In some schools of theory this is referred to as “high functioning” autism.

There is also “low functioning” autism in which the personal is severely delayed in social emotional and developmental areas. These children typically have an IQ below 80 and will most likely need assistance all throughout their lives in order to meet their daily needs.

No matter the type of autism a child suffers from, it is important to remember they are just that, children. All children need love and caring in their own ways regardless of any disorders they may have. With the proper support and care even a “low functioning” autistic child can go on to live a happy life full of potential. With the love of a parent they can achieve anything.

An autistic child can be difficult to raise no matter the form of autism they suffer, to help parent your autistic child click here!
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Do You Know The Autism Statistics?

Thursday, July 17, 2008

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.

Since Autism statistics show that 1 in 166 children will be diagnosed with autism. It is important that a parent or soon to be parent understands the signs of Autism. If you would like more information on Autism, please visithttp://www.yourautismfacts.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shawn_Johnson
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