In numbers, most recent reviews estimate a prevalence of one to two cases per 1,000 people for autism, and about six per 1,000 for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with ASD averaging a 4.3:1 male-to-female ratio. Estimates of 1 to 1.5 million Americans are effected with disorder. With a 10 – 17% annual growth, autism will become more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined.

What is it again?

Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime. Autism impairs a person's ability to communicate and relate to others. It is also associated with rigid routines and repetitive behaviors, such as obsessively arranging objects or following very specific routines. Symptoms can range from very mild to quite severe.

The Controversy – is it really more prevalent or just more diagnosed?

The cause of autism is unclear and highly contentious. Current theories propose that childhood vaccines, environmental toxins, diet, and genetics are linked to the cause. What’s frustrating is that there are no effective means to prevent autism, no fully effective treatments, and no cure.

In this map created from Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) data, the percentage of school age children diagnosed as autistic are shown. Some states reflect much higher rates of autism than others. Is it that autism is more readily, or improperly, diagnosed? Is it that autism is better defined in some states or are more children in different areas suffering from autism?

And Autism will continue to make news...

Here are some recent headlines concerning autism. New issues on the horizon are 1) understanding autism better, 2) figuring out who should pay -- insurance companies, federal tax dollars, schools, and families.

*Pennsylvania tries to get private insurers to foot the autism costs of therapy. The bill (HB 1150), introduced by the Speaker, would create a new “Autism Spectrum Disorders Coverage” provision of the Pennsylvania insurance law.

*Should medical insurance be forced to cover autism therapies, even if they haven’t been proven scientifically effective and will raise premiums?

*Should tax dollars pay for Special Ed private schooling? A case currently in front of the US Supreme Court (Board of Education of City of New York v. Tom F., 06-637) is expected to clarify the parent’s and school board’s role in the child’s individual education plan.

*By Harvard School of Public Health, It can cost about $3.2 million to take care of an autistic person over his or her lifetime.

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