Prevalence of Autism
Autism is the most common of the Pervasive Developmental Disorders, affecting an estimated 1 in 88 children (Centers for Disease Control, 2012). Roughly translated, this means as many as 1.5 million Americans today are believed to have some form of autism. Based on statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and other governmental agencies, autism is growing at a startling rate of 10-17 percent per year.
Autism knows no racial, ethnic, social boundaries, family income, lifestyle, or educational levels and can affect any family and any child. Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than in girls.
Autism Statistics:
- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently announced that autism is now diagnosed in one in every 88 children. This is a 78 percent increase in six years (2002-2008) and a ten-fold increase in reported prevalence over the last 40 years.
- Over 100 children and their families attend programs at ABC of NC where we use a variety of educational and behavioral techniques.
- ABC of NC’s education programs require a high level of one-on-one teaching and continuous, data-based assessment by highly trained personnel. The U.S. Surgeon General supports the teaching methods used at ABC of NC as the most effective for children with ASD.
- Less than one percent of North Carolina families with autistic children receive public funding for behavioral services like those offered at ABC of NC.
- There are hundreds of children in the Piedmont Triad seeking services from ABC of NC who do not have public funding or can’t afford the fees. The ABC of NC Financial Aid program provides direct assistance to these families.