Today is World Autism Awareness Day. Although I am not personally affected by Autism, I have many friends whose children have been diagnosed. My daughter, Sammi has friends who are in the Autism Spectrum. And as an advocate, I want to do my part to make sure that others are aware of this day and what you can do to share this information online and off.
Recently the CDC reported about the prevalence of Autism. Here are some facts:
• One out of 88 children in the U.S. has an autism spectrum disorder. This is a 78 percent increase in 6 years (2002-2008) and a 10-fold (1000 percent) increase in reported prevalence over the last 40 years.
• Boys are still about five times more likely to be diagnosed with autism in the U.S. than girls.
• The largest increases of diagnosis were among Hispanic and black children.
• More children are getting diagnosed at earlier ages, some at age three, but most by four-years-old.
The importance of early diagnosis cannot be impressed enough. Early intervention can help with speech, social and other skills. The CDC put out a Learn the Signs. Act Early campaign to assist parents with identifying the early signs and symptoms of Autism.
Please take the time to learn more about Autism and share about this special day.
The post World Autism Awareness Day appeared first on BrainFoggles.