Autism Disorders

Prevalence

• In 2018 the CDC determined that approximately 1 in 59 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
  • 1 in 37 boys
  • 1 in 151 girls
• Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls.
• Most children were still being diagnosed after age 4, though autism can be reliably diagnosed as early as age 2.
• 31% of children with ASD have an intellectual disability (intelligence quotient [IQ] <70), 25% are in the borderline range (IQ 71–85), and 44% have IQ scores in the average to above average range (i.e., IQ >85).
• Autism affects all ethnic and socioeconomic groups.
• Minority groups tend to be diagnosed later and less often.
• Early intervention affords the best opportunity to support healthy development and deliver benefits across the lifespan.
• There is no medical detection for autism.

Causes

• Research indicates that genetics are involved in the vast majority of cases.
• Children born to older parents are at a higher risk for having autism.
• Parents who have a child with ASD have a 2 to 18 percent chance of having a second child who is also affected.
• Studies have shown that among identical twins, if one child has autism, the other will be affected about 36 to 95 percent of the time. In non-identical twins, if one child has autism, then the other is affected about 31 percent of the time.
• Over the last two decades, extensive research has asked whether there is any link between childhood vaccinations and autism. The results of this research are clear: Vaccines do not cause autism.

Intervention and Supports 

• Early intervention can improve learning, communication and social skills, as well as underlying brain development.
• Many children affected by autism also benefit from other interventions such as speech and occupational therapy.
• Developmental regression, or loss of skills, such as language and social interests, affects around 1 in 5 children who will go on to be diagnosed with autism and typically occurs between ages 1 and 3.

Information cited from autismspeaks.org.

Please contact Positive Results for Kids to schedule a free developmental screening or therapy evaluation today at 765-454-5340.