- About one-third of people with autism are nonverbal, and many people with autism have sensory issues involving over- or under-sensitivities to sounds, lights, touch and other stimuli.
- The CDC reports that approximately 1 in 54 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls.
- Autism affects all ethnic and socioeconomic groups; minority groups tend to be diagnosed later and less often.
- There is no medical detection for autism.
- Research indicates that genetics are involved in the vast majority of cases.
- Children born to older parents are at a higher risk for having autism.
- Extensive research makes it clear that childhood vaccines do not cause autism.
- Nearly two-thirds of children with autism between the ages of 6 and 15 have been bullied.
- Nearly 28 percent of 8-year-olds with ASD have self-injurious behaviors.
- Anxiety disorders affect up to 40 percent of youths on the autism spectrum.
- World Autism Awareness Day is Friday, April 2, and April is Autism Awareness Month in the U.S.
(Source: Autism Speaks)