Could Your Child Have Autism?

(NAPSI)-Once considered a rare disorder, autism is now diagnosed in one in every 150 children, with boys nearly four times more likely than girls to receive a diagnosis. For parents who believe their child may have autism, it is important to ask questions, get answers and seek appropriate treatment.

What Is Autism?

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a “spectrum disorder,” which means that it manifests itself differently for every individual, varying in the severity and type of symptoms.


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While there are strong and consistent commonalities, there is no single behavior that is always typical of autism and no behavior that would automatically exclude an individual from receiving a diagnosis.

A basic rule for treating autism is the earlier the intervention, the better. Getting the right help at the earliest stage of life can help a child gain the skills he or she needs to be successful. If you’re worried your child may have autism--or feel something just isn’t quite right--you should:

1. First and foremost, follow your instincts. Don’t assume that your child will catch up.

2. Share your concerns with your pediatrician. Consider seeing a doctor who is familiar with autism. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers an online pediatrician referral service, searchable by specialty and location.

3. Utilize early intervention services available in every state. The government provides free services for children with disabilities. Consult the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities at www.nichcy.org and your local early intervention lead agency at www.nectac.org/search/mapfinder.asp. The lead agency is required to provide a timely evaluation, typically within 45 days of being contacted. If your child is experiencing significant developmental delays in one or more of the following areas, you’re eligible for free early intervention services: cognitive, physical, communication, social, emotional or adaptive skills.

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4. Get a diagnosis. Autism can be diagnosed as early as 18 months old. Many children are diagnosed before age 5, although many children get misdiagnosed or not diagnosed until later in life.

5. Seek help from community service and treatment providers like Easter Seals. Start by visiting autism.easterseals.com.

To learn more about autism, find services at an Easter Seals near you or help Easter Seals change the lives of people living with autism by becoming a donor or volunteer, visit autism.easterseals.com.

Early intervention, diagnosis and treatment are crucial for children with autism.

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Information About Employment for Autistic Individuals

Having a job and earning a wage is a fundamental part of most adults' lives. It brings an income, independence and respect. Many people with autism or Asperger syndrome share this wish to work, yet currently only 6 per cent have full-time jobs. People with an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) often find it hard to get and keep a job because of the challenges they face as part of their condition and because employers lack an understanding of autism. Employers often do not realise a person with an ASD can bring strong skills, abilities and talents to the workplace.

The pack which you can download below (it's the second link) provides information about how you can overcome these difficulties and the support that is available to you if you want to get a job.

Contents of the pack:

Having a job
Different kinds of work
How to start looking for a job
Support to help you get a job
Interview tips
Your rights under the Disability Discrimination Act When you start work
Information for parents or carers of someone with an ASD who wants to work
Further advice and information
PLEASE NOTE if you are experiencing problems downloading the brochures, please refer to the 'Help' page accessible at the top right-hand corner of the screen. Scroll down to get to the information on PDFs.

Alternatively, you can request a copy of the brochure of your choice from the NAS Policy Department on 020 7903 3558 between the hours of 10:00 and 16:00, Monday to Friday

The Undiscovered Workforce: Looking for a job (PDF)

Facts About Autism

Here are some facts about Autism provided by the New England Center for Children:
Autism Spectrum Disorders occur in 1-2 or more of every 500 births and 3-4 times more often in boys.


Autism is a developmental disability thought by scientists to have a genetic origin.


A family that has a biologically related relative with an Autism Spectrum Disorder is much more likely to have a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder than a family without this history.


Autism is the third most common developmental disability following mental retardation and cerebral palsy.


75-80% of persons with Autism also have mental retardation.


Autism is more common than multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis or childhood cancer.


Early intensive behavioral intervention has been shown to produce marked changes in the skill deficits and problem behavior associated with Autism.

Below, please find recent facts about Autism compiled from sources including the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of Education, and the Autism Society of America.


1 in 250 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.