Autism Society of America Harrisburg Area Chapter

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What is Autism?

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.

Autism is one of five disorders coming under the umbrella of Pervasive Developmental
Disorders (PDD), a category of neurological disorders characterized by "severe and
pervasive impairment in several areas of development," including social interaction and
communications skills (DSM-IV-TR). The five disorders under PDD are Autistic Disorder,
Asperger's Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD), Rett's Disorder, and PDD-Not
Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). Each of these disorders has specific diagnostic criteria as
outlined by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in its Diagnostic & Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR).

Prevalence of Autism

Autism is the most common of the Pervasive Developmental Disorders, affecting an
estimated 1 in 250 births (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2003). This means
that 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 ASA 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.

There is no cure for autism. It is treatable, however. Early diagnosis and intervention are vital to the future development of the child.