Autism Facts I

This is the first of several short articles I’m planning to write about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Not only is there a general misunderstanding of ASD, but there is a growing abundance of misinformation as well, such as a purported link between receiving vaccines and developing ASD (this claim has been debunked). I’m stupefied and ashamed when I see this spreading on social media and is why I’ve chosen to support Autism Speaks for my 2020 Charity Fundraiser. Their mission is “increased global awareness of autism, better understanding of the breadth of the autism spectrum, and advocacy to increase research and access to care and support”.

As a symbol of my commitment to this effort, I’m training to run my first marathon this January. A full year earlier than originally planned. And not just a marathon, but Disney’s Dopey Challenge: a 5k, 10k, half, and full marathon on consecutive days. That’s 48.6 miles in four days! Additionally, I’ll be mirroring the work of Autism Speaks by circulating important, factual information about autism. I’ve included the first set below, along with external references if you would like to read a bit more.

Now, for your part. Please consider donating to our fundraiser, even $5 can make a difference, and share our story with your friends and family. Your help will get us across the finish line!

ASD Fact #1. The term autism was first used in the early 1910s and stems from the combination of Greek autos (“self”) and -ism (suffix of action or of state). Those with ASD are characteristically self-absorbed or self-isolated to the exclusion of others around them.

ASD Fact #2. Children and adults with autism spectrum disorder often care deeply but lack the ability to spontaneously develop empathic and socially connected typical behavior. Individuals with ASD often want to socially interact but lack the ability to spontaneously develop effective social interaction skills.

Baron-Cohen, Simon & Wheelwright, Sally. (2004). The Empathy Quotient: An Investigation of Adults with Asperger Syndrome or High Functioning Autism, and Normal Sex Differences. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 34. 163-175. https://next.legsmis.com/wp-content/uploads/attachments/2004_BCandSW_EQ.pdf

ASD Fact #3. Autism spectrum disorder is one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders in the United States. It is more common than childhood cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined.

Lurie Center for Autism, MassGeneral Hospital for Children.https://www.massgeneral.org/children/autism-spectrum-disorder

ASD Fact #4. ASD now affects 1 in 59 children, and boys are nearly 5 times more likely than girls to be diagnosed.

Christensen DL, Maenner MJ, Bilder D, et al. Prevalence and Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Children Aged 4 Years – Early Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, Seven Sites, United States, 2010, 2012, and 2014. MMWR Surveill Summ. 2019;68(2):1–19. Published 2019 Apr 12. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.ss6802a1

ASD Fact #5. Living with ASD is expensive. On average, medical expenses for children and adolescents with ASD were 4 to 6 times greater than for those without ASD. In addition to medical costs, intensive behavioral interventions for children with ASD can cost $40,000 to $60,000 per year. According to a recent study funded by Autism Speaks, the lifetime costs of autism average $1.4 million to $2.4 million. The good news is that the cost of lifelong care can be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention.

Shimabukuro, T.T., Grosse, S.D. & Rice, C. J Autism Dev Disord (2008) 38: 546. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-007-0424-y

Amendah, D., Grosse, S.D., Peacock, G., & Mandell, D.S. (2011). The economic costs of autism: A review. In D. Amaral, D. Geschwind, & G. Dawson (Eds.), Autism spectrum disorders (pp. 1347-1360). Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Autism. 2007 Sep;11(5):453-63; The economic consequences of autistic spectrum disorder among children in a Swedish municipality. Järbrink K1. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361307079602