Prevalence
Today, 50 families will be told their child has an Autism Spectrum Disorder. This year 700 families in Colorado will be told their child has an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Autistic Spectrum Disorder Facts:
- ASD affects 1 in 150 people and is the fastest growing developmental disability today and outpaces childhood cancer, multiple sclerosis and cystic fibrosis combined;
- ASD affects 1.5 Million Americans today and indirectly affects 15 million Americans today;
- ASD growth comparison in the 1990's: U.S. population increase was 13%, Disabilities increased 16% and Autism/ASD has increased 172%
- In a study by London School of Economics, 90% of the $90 billion current annual cost to the US economy by Autistic/ASD individuals is in adult services. The current growth rate of ASD is projected to be 10%-17% annually and will cost the US economy $200-$400 billion annually by 2010 at projected growth rates, creating a national health crisis;
- ASD costs associated with lifelong care can be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention;
- A Colorado Department of Education study in the early 1990's established that for every $1 spent on early intervention, $6 dollars is saved in Special Education Services in Colorado;
- Autism knows no racial, ethnic, social boundaries; it is four times more prevalent in boys than girls.
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