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Video - What is Autism?
About Autism
Autism spectrum disorders
(ASDs) are a group of developmental disabilities defined by significant impairments in social interaction and communication
and the presence of unusual behaviors and interests. Many people with ASDs also have unusual ways of learning, paying attention,
or reacting to different sensations. The thinking and learning abilities of people with ASDs can vary – from gifted
to severely challenged. ASD begins before the age of 3 and lasts throughout a person's life. It occurs in all racial, ethnic,
and socioeconomic groups and is four times more likely to occur in boys than girls.
CDC’s
Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network released data in 2007 that found about 1 in 150 8-year-old children in
multiple areas of the United States had an ASD.
Since the ADDM sites do not represent a nationally representative
sample, the prevalence estimates should not be generalized to every community in the United States. Although accurate for
the areas we studied, rates may be higher or lower in other areas. However, these prevalence estimates can help communities
project how many children may have autism for planning and identification purposes. They can also be used to provide for more
appropriate interventions for children with ASDs.
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