Autism Spectrum Disorder (commonly referred to as ASD) encompasses a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders (including Rett Syndrome and Asperger Syndrome) are characterized in varying degrees, displaying difficulties in social interaction, verbal and non verbal communications, as well as repetitive behaviors.
The following statistics are courtesy of the Autism Society
- 1 percent of the population of children in the United States aged 3-17 is on the spectrum of autism disorder.
- It is estimated that 1 to 1.5 million people in America are living with some form of autism spectrum disorder.
- Autism prevalence is estimated at 1 in 88 births.
- The autism spectrum is the fastest-growing developmental disability; 1’148% growth rate.
- Autism costs families in the U.S. alone a combined average of $60 billion annually.
- 60% of those costs are in adult services.
- The cost of lifelong care can be reduced by 2/3 through early diagnosis and intervention.
- In 10 years from now the annual cost will elevate to $200-$400 billion.
- The average cost of a lifetime of care is $3.2 million per person
As much as I like putting facts into my articles, I would also like to make the point of the uniqueness of every individual on the spectrum. Many exude exceptional talents at things such as art and music, while others are academically smarter than you or I could ever hope to be. Think I’m joking? Did you know that Einstein had Asperger’s syndrome? Bet you, you didn’t know that! Well—now you do. One of the greatest minds in history was on the spectrum.
Einstein never let anything hold him back. One of my favorite quotes from him is “I’m thankful to all those who said ‘NO’, because of them, I did it myself.” In this day and age we are lucky to have specialists for ASD patients, everything from teachers to therapists, and more. 50 years ago however; those with ASD weren’t so lucky.
The word “autism” has been in use for about a century and derives from the Greek word “autos”, meaning “self.” It was coined by Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler in 1911 as reference to one group of symptoms in schizophrenia, and was a result of the observation of a person removing themselves from social interaction, therefore, a self imposed isolation.
In the 1940’s Leo Kanner; a doctor form Johns Hopkins University used it to describe the withdrawn behavior in several children he was observing at the time. In the same decade; researchers in the U.S. started to use this term to explain children with emotional or social problems. Not long after, Hans Asperger, a German scientist recognized a similar condition—you guessed it, Asperger’s syndrome.
Unfortunately because of the early connection between schizophrenic patients and those with autism, it remained linked in many researchers’ minds for the next 20 years. It wasn’t until the late 1960’s that medical professionals and researchers alike began to understand the separation between the two conditions.
Regrettably (though the disorders now had their own individual place) early treatments for autism in the 1960’s and 1970’s; focused on heavy medications like LSD, and barbaric techniques such as electric shock therapy and other behavioral change techniques common at the time, many of the latter involved pain and punishment.
In the 80’s and 90’s there came an enlightenment among researchers and doctors, and the role of behavioral therapy and the use of highly controlled learning environments became the protocol and primary treatments for those who suffer from ASD. These two methods are now the foundation for helping those with autism.
Still, despite our best efforts, only 56% of students on the spectrum complete high school, even less than that go on to and graduate from college. It is usually not out of lack of trying on the patients’ part as many people assume—it is rather a result of not being diagnosed early on enough.
Some one I love has autism. In fact, several people who I love and care about are living on the autism spectrum. What once was a hush-hush disorder has gained not only awareness in our society, but also has obtained a level of acceptance. April is Autism Awareness Month, but with so many families living with someone who is somewhere on the spectrum, it needs to be more than once a year so that some of these families may have hope.
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