The Autism spectrum, also called Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) or Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC), with the word autistic sometimes replacing autism, is a spectrum of psychological condition characterized by widespread abnormalities of social interactions and communication, as well as severely restricted interests and highly repetitive behavior.
It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and social groups and is four times more likely to strike boys than girls.

Enlarged brain region found in toddlers with autism: study suggests. . . .

National Autism Awareness Month.

• 1 in 150 children is diagnosed with autism
  
• 1 in 94 boys is on the autism spectrum
  67 children are diagnosed per day
  
• A new case is diagnosed almost every 20 minutes
  
• More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined
  
• Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
  
• Autism costs the nation over $35 billion per year, a figure expected to significantly increase in the next decade
  
• Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases
  
• Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism and there is no known medical detection or cure for autism.
  

• Autism is expensive to manage, psychologically and financially.
  
• A family facing double that challenge
  No Insurance coverage for intensive therapies needed – Very limited coverage through school .
  
• County services based on income – serving people below poverty level.
  
• Treatment/ Management options very expensive.
  
• Adaptive/ computerized devices high cost.