Autism Statistics (US)/ Autism Rates By State

Did you know ...

• Autism now affects 1 in 110 children and 1 in 70 boys
• Autism prevalence figures are growing
• More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined
• Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
• Autism costs the nation over $35 billion per year, a figure expected to significantly increase in the next decade
• Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases
• Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism
• There is no medical detection or cure for autism

Prevalence vs. Private Funding

• Leukemia: Affects 1 in 1,200 / Funding: $277 million
• Muscular Dystrophy: Affects 1 in 100,000 / Funding: $162 million
• Pediatric AIDS: Affects 1 in 300 / Funding: $394 million
• Juvenile Diabetes: Affects 1 in 500 / Funding: $156 million
• Autism: Affects 1 in 110 / Funding: $79 million

National Institutes of Health Funds Allocation

• Total 2009 NIH budget: $35.9 billion
• Of this, only $196 million goes directly to autism research. This represents 0.5% of total NIH funding.

source:  Autism Speaks

Fastest-growing developmental disability

• $90 billion annual cost
• 90% of costs are in adult services
• Cost of lifelong care can be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention
• A family that has a biologically related relative with an Autism Spectrum Disorder is much more likely to have a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder than a family without this history.
• Autism is the third most common developmental disability following mental retardation and cerebral palsy.
• 75-80% of persons with Autism also have mental retardation.
• Autism is more common than multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis or childhood cancer.
• Early intensive behavioral intervention has been shown to produce marked changes in the skill deficits and problem behavior associated with Autism.

source:  New England Center For Children

Autism Rates By State

To see the rise of Autism by state and region from 2000-2009, click here:                        Autism Chart 2000-2009 State Increase (All Autistic Children Age 3-22)

"** The information presented or linked to here is NOT medical advice and cannot be relied on as a substitute for such advice.  No medical treatement should be avoided or attempted without prior consultation with a licensed physician. **"