Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). The other pervasive developmental disorders are PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified), Asperger’s Syndrome, Rett Syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder.

• It is estimated that Autism now affects 1 in 96 children.

• As many as 1.5 million Americans today are believed to have some form of autism.

• There is no cure for Autism (but thanks to intensive research, new treatments look increasingly promising).

• Autism is characterized by varying degrees of impairment in communication skills and social abilities, and also by repetitive behaviors.  Symptoms range from mild to severe.

• More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined.

• Autism knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries; family income levels; lifestyle choices; or educational levels, and can affect any family and any child.

• Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than in girls.

• The national symbol for Autism is the puzzle piece…