Autism Facts
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. There is often nothing about how people with ASD look that sets them apart from other people, but people with ASD may communicate, interact, behave, and learn in ways that are different from most other people. The learning, thinking, and problem-solving abilities of people with ASD can range from gifted to severely challenged. Some people with ASD need a lot of help in their daily lives; others need less.
A diagnosis of ASD now includes several conditions that used to be diagnosed separately: autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger syndrome. These conditions are now all called autism spectrum disorder. (Source - click here) - People with ASD often have problems with social, emotional, and communication skills. They might repeat certain behaviors and might not want change in their daily activities. Many people with ASD also have different ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to things. Signs of ASD begin during early childhood and typically last throughout a person’s life. (Source - click here)
- About 1 in 54 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to estimates from CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network.
- The picture of ASD in communities continues to change. Almost half of children identified with ASD have average or above average intellectual ability; a decade ago, a third of children identified with ASD had average or above average intellectual ability.
- ASD occurs among all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. While a higher percentage of white children have been identified with ASD compared to black children, and even more so compared to Hispanic children, these differences are narrowing.
- Boys are 4 times more likely to be identified with ASD than girls.
- Most children with ASD are diagnosed after age 4, even though ASD can be diagnosed as early as age 2.
- Source: click here
A kid-friendly website with information on autism: http://kidshealth.org/kid/health_problems/brain/autism.html
Other great websites with lots of facts about autism are:
Autism Research
For the 2016 event, each student in Mrs. Moran's 4th grade classroom partnered up with a classmate to conduct research on a specific question about autism. They worked together to take notes in a Google Document, which allowed them to work together to compile their research. Afterwards, they created an informational poster on a large puzzle piece which was displayed on the back wall of the school on the day of the event. Before the walk began, the students had an opportunity to share their research with any race participants that were interested. The students also worked with their partner to give an informational presentation to the 1st graders at Howard Elementary School via Skype. It was a wonderful learning opportunity for the students!