Autism Support Network and Aid for Autistic Children Foundation, Inc. Create Alliance to Help Families Affected by Autism

Today 1 in 150 children is diagnosed with autism, with a new case diagnosed every 20 minutes. It is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States. More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined. Autism is characterized by impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and unusual, repetitive, or limited activities and interests. Other ASDs include Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (usually referred to as PDD-NOS). Males are four times more likely to have autism than females.