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What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Both children and adults with autism typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities.

Autism is one of five disorders that falls under the umbrella of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), a category of neurological disorders characterized by "severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development."

Facts About Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Autism is now being diagnosed in 1 out of every 150 children.
• Autism is more prevalent than Juvenile Diabetes, Down's Syndrome, Childhood Cancer and Cystic Fibrosis combined.
• Autism is 4 times more prevalent in boys than in girls.
• Every 20 minutes, a child is diagnosed with Autism.
• It is estimated that 1,600 children under age 9 have ASD in Nebraska.
• In 2006, Autism was the 8th most common word searched on "Google News."
• 70-80% of parents with an ASD child will get divorced.
• With the best treatment, over 85% of children with ASD can make huge gains.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics, the Surgeon General and the National Council on Education all state that early, intensive behavior therapy is the most researched and proven method of treating children with autism.
• Without support, most families will have difficulty finding safe, appropriate residential placements when their ASD child turns 21.
• Some estimates indicated that the rate of unemployment/underemployment among adults with ASD exceeds 50%.