Quick Facts on Autism

Quick Facts About Autism
-Autism occurs in 1 in every 500 births and in a rate of 5 boys to every girl.
-Autism currently affects over 400,000 people in the U.S.
-Autism is the third most common developmental disability following mental retardation and cerebral palsy.
-Autism is more common than multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis or childhood cancer.
-Autism receives as little as 5% of the research funding as other less common diseases.
-The annual per-person allocation for persons with autism is approximately $35. In contrast, multiple sclerosis receives roughly $158, diabetes $424, breast cancer $600, and AIDS $1,000. --Currently there is no medical detection, treatment or cure for autism.
-Many kids are making enormous strides and a significant number are now indistinguishable from their peers.
-Behavioral therapies, diet, vitamin and mineral supplementation, and medical interventions are some of the treatments effectively being used.
-Most of the above interventions are considered experimental and are not supported by the medical community.
-Autism is a condition whose treatments are specifically excluded by some insurance companies

SOURCE: CAN Foundation (Cure Autism Now)