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Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. The result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, autism and its associated behaviors have been estimated to occur in as many as 2 to 6 in 1,000 individuals (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2001). Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. The result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Children and adults with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities.
Prevalence of Autism
As many as 1.5 million Americans today are believed to have some form of autism.
And that number is on the rise. Based on statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and other governmental agencies, autism is growing at a rate of 10-17 percent per year. At these rates, the Autism Society of America estimates that the prevalence of autism could reach 4 million Americans in the next decade.
The overall incidence of autism is consistent around the globe, but is four times more prevalent in boys than girls. Autism knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries, and family income, lifestyle, and educational levels do not affect the chance of autism's occurrence.
Children diagnosed with disorders in the autism spectrum commonly experience problems with sensory integration. These problems can vary from low arousal levels and a decreased sensitivity to visual or auditory input, to poor organizational and motor planning skills, to hypersensitivity. Speech and language delays are usually also present, as without appropriate organization of sensory input, a sufficient level of neurological arousal, oral-motor prerequisite skills and adequate interaction, communication skills may not optimally develop. Because a diagnosis of autism is usually made based on decreased social interactive behaviors, speech and language development issues, or decreased learning ability, the sensory integration deficits may not be readily identified because they are less obvious, and are developing on an unconscious level.
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