Currently, the Autism Society estimates that the lifetime cost of caring for a child with autism ranges from $3.5 million to $5 million, and that the United States is facing almost $90 billion annually in costs for autism (this figure includes research, insurance costs and non-covered expenses, Medicaid waivers for autism, educational spending, housing, transportation, employment, in addition to related therapeutic services and caregiver costs).
Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with
AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined.
Autism now affects 1 in 88 children. One in 54 boys is diagnosed with autism.
Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases.
There is no medical detection or cure for autism.
Autism has no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries.
Autism usually appears during the first 2-3 years of life.
