Autism is a puzzling condition, displaying varying difficulties in each individual: challenges in communication, social interaction, repetitive and restrictive interests or behaviors.
But hundreds of individuals with autism at Little City are reaching their unique potential, thanks to friends like you! Across this vibrant community, individuals are provided with the best options to grow and thrive for a lifetime!
Throughout April, we invite you to help celebrate the uniqueness of individuals with autism by sending a note of hope because you are the missing piece for those who need the best opportunities to find success throughout their lifetimes!
Scroll to learn more about autism and read stories of individuals with autism who have found the piece they were missing at Little City.
TARIK SHARES HIS VOICE THROUGH ART
READ HIS STORY >
ATHLETES ARE GAINING SKILLS ON THE FIELD, FOR A LIFETIME
READ THEIR STORY >
BRADY IS THRIVING, THANKS TO YOU
READ HIS STORY >
AUTISM PREVALENCE
- In 2023, the CDC reported that approximately 1 in 36 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to 2020 data.
- Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls.
- Most children were still being diagnosed after age 4, though autism can be reliably diagnosed as early as age 2.
- 31% of children with ASD have an intellectual disability (intelligence quotient [IQ] <70), 25% are in the borderline range (IQ 71–85), and 44% have IQ scores in the average to above average range (i.e., IQ >85).
- Autism affects all ethnic and socioeconomic groups, but minority groups tend to be diagnosed later and less often.
- Early intervention affords the best opportunity to support healthy development and deliver benefits across the lifespan.
ASSOCIATED CHALLENGES
- An estimated 25-30 percent of people with autism are nonverbal or minimally verbal (fewer than 30 words or unable to use speech alone to communicate)
- 31% of children with ASD have an intellectual disability (intelligence quotient [IQ] <70) with significant challenges in daily function, 25% are in the borderline range (IQ 71–85).
- Nearly half of those with autism wander or bolt from safety.
- Nearly two-thirds of children with autism between the ages of 6 and 15 have been bullied.
- Nearly 28 percent of 8-year-olds with ASD have self-injurious behaviors. Head banging, arm biting and skin scratching are among the most common.
INTERVENTION & SUPPORTS
- Early intervention can improve learning, communication and social skills, as well as underlying brain development.
- Applied behavior analysis (ABA) and therapies based on its principles are the most researched and commonly used behavioral interventions for autism.
- Many children affected by autism also benefit from other interventions such as speech and occupational therapy.
- Developmental regression, or loss of skills, such as language and social interests, affects around 1 in 5 children who will go on to be diagnosed with autism and typically occurs between ages 1 and 3.
Source: Autism Speaks, https://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-statistics-asd
