WHAT IS AUTISM?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

and autism are both general
terms for a group of complex
disorders of brain development.
These disorders are
characterized, in varying
degrees, by difficulties in social
interaction, verbal and nonverbal
communication and repetitive
behaviors.

 The term spectrum refers to the wide

range of symptoms, skills, and levels of
disability in functioning that can occur in
people with ASD. Some children and
adults with ASD are fully able to perform
all activities of daily living while others
require substantial support to perform
basic activities.

What are some common

signs of ASD?
social-interaction
difficulties
communication
challenges and
a tendency to engage
in repetitive behaviors.

repeated body
movements (hand
flapping, rocking).
Unusual responses to
people
Attachment to objects
Resistance to change
in routine
Sensory sensitivities

How is Autism
Diagnosed?

No definitive medical test

Team uses interviews, observation, and
specific checklists developed for this
purpose.
Team might include neurologist, psychologist,
developmental pediatrician, speech/language
therapist, learning consultant, etc.
Must rule out MR, hearing impairment,
behavior disorders, or eccentric habits

Prevalence
Erlinda Borromeo, Autism Speaks Foundation
president, said one in 68 children worldwide has
autism. The figure is way above the .5 cases in
every 1,000 children in the 1980s and one in 110
children in 2008.
In the Philippines, estimated cases of autism
rose from 500,000 in 2008 to one million people
at present.
It is more common among boys (1 in 42) than
girls (1 in 189).

FACTS ABOUT AUTISM

Did you know ...
67 children are diagnosed per day.
A new case is diagnosed almost every 20
minutes.
Autism is the fastest-growing developmental
disability.
More children will be diagnosed with autism this
year than with AIDS, diabetes, and cancer
combined.

FACTS ABOUT AUTISM

Did you know ...
Autism occurs in all countries and within
all socioeconomic classes.
Autism can often be detected as early as
18 months.
Among identical twins, if one child has
autism, then the other will be affected
about 75% of the time.

FACTS ABOUT AUTISM

Did you know ...
In non-identical twins, if one child has autism,
then the other has it about 3% of the time.
Parents who have a child with an ASD have a
2%-8% chance of having a second child who is
also affected.
Many children with autism are making enormous
strides & a significant number are now
indistinguishable from their peers.