April is Autism awareness month.  Autism rates have been increasing gradually for years in the United States.  Here are some statistics taken from the Autism Society of America website.

  • 1 in 150 births
  • 1 to 1.5 million Americans
  • Fastest-growing developmental disability
  • 10 – 17 % annual growth
  • Growth comparison during the 1990s:
    • U.S. population increase: 13%
    • Disabilities increase: 16%
    • Autism increase: 172%
  • $90 billion annual cost
  • 90% of costs are in adult services
  • Cost of lifelong care can be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention
  • In 10 years, the annual cost will be $200-400 billion