Life with Autism


  • 1 out of 100 children in U.S.
  • 1 out of 90 boys
  • Affects four times as many boys as girls
  • Lifetime cost of caring for a child with autism: $3.5 to $5 million
  • Current annual cost to U.S.: $35 billion
  • Estimated annual cost by 2010: $90 billion
  • 1.5 million Americans affected

Not long ago, the word “autism” was rarely heard. If you asked your parents if they knew someone with autism in their school or neighborhood when they were children, they’d probably say “no.” Nowadays, just about everybody has heard about autism. And the government reports that 1 out of 100 people (and 1 out of every 90 boys) in the United States are on the autism spectrum. In fact, 60 families in America today will learn their child has autism.

You probably know someone with autism - maybe someone in your school or even in your class. They have trouble looking at you when they talk to you or they don’t know what to say. Or they say the wrong thing or talk “at you” or interrupt when you’re speaking. The may have trouble sitting still in class or may shout out loud or leave the room while the teacher’s talking. They may get upset and frustrated when they are told to finish an activity and move on to something else.

People with autism don’t mean to behave this way - their autism affects the way they communicate and interact with others. Although we don’t know what causes autism or how to cure it, there is help for people with autism. We know that early diagnosis and treatment can lead to a better quality of life for people on the autism spectrum. With the right services and supports, people with autism can live full, healthy and meaningful lives.

You can help people with autism get the support they need - while having fun along the way. The Autism Society with its partner Pump it Up is holding its first-ever “Bounce for Autism” fundraising campaign. This event will be held at several locations across the country. You and your friends can start or join a Sock Squad and start bouncing for autism today!

Learn more about autism:

 
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