How common is Autism?
Autism affects an estimated 1 in 150 births, according to a new study released by the CDC this year. As many as 1.5 million Americans have some form of autism. Autism may be growing at the rate of 10-17 percent per year, according to the U.S. Department of Education and the Autism Society of America. Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than in girls.
Who does Autism affect?
Autism knows no racial, ethnic, social boundaries, family income, lifestyle, or educational levels and can affect any family and any child. However, autism has been found to be four times more prevalent in boys than girls.
What signs should I watch for as my child develops?
The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development has developed a list of behaviors that may signal a developmental delay. These are:
- the child does not babble or coo by 12 months
- the child does not gesture (point, wave, grasp) by 12 months
- the child does not say single words by 16 months
- the child does not say two-word phrases on his or her own by 24 months
- the child has any loss of language or social skill at any age
If any of these behaviors are recognized, the NICHD recommends that the child receive further evaluation.
Why does the Kelberman Center run a preschool screening program?
Research has shown that early diagnosis can lead to dramatically better outcomes for individuals with autism. The earlier autism is identified in a child, the earlier he or she can begin to receive specialized interventions. The Kelberman Center is committed to identifying children with autism as early as possible to allow access to services.
My child can do some things well, but he was diagnosed with Autism. How can that be?
Autism is sometimes called a "spectrum disorder" because different individuals have different degrees of impairment in communication, social interaction, and behavior.
Also, individuals with autism spectrum disorder may have "scattered skills" or some skills that are above average for their age and some skills that are below average.
What should I look for in a program for my child with Autism?
Most professionals agree that individuals with autism respond well to highly structured, specialized education programs designed to meet the individual's needs. Based on the major characteristics associated with autism, there are areas that are important to look at when creating a plan: social skill development, communication, behavior, and sensory integration. It is important to consider treatment options to find the ones that work best on an individual basis.
Autism Facts and Statistics
- Autism affects an estimated 1 in 150 births, according to a new study released by the CDC this year.
- As many as 1.5 million Americans have some form of Autism.
- During the 1990s, the U.S. population increased by 13%. During the same period, the rate of autism in the U.S. increased by 172%.
- The Autism Society of America calculates the annual cost of autism will increase to $200-$400 billion by 2013.
- The cost of lifelong care can be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention.
- Autism may be growing at the rate if 10-17 percent per year, according to the U.S. Department of Education and the Autism Society of America.
- Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than in girls.
Where is the Kelberman Center Located?
The Kelberman Center is located at 1601 Armory Drive in Utica, New York, 13501. The Center provides services to children and adults in Central New York and beyond.
