Bethesda, MD (March 27, 2014) – Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announce new autism prevalence rates. According to the CDC report, the prevalence rate for autism is now 1 in 68, which is an increase of over 30% from the 2008 CDC report.
“The Autism Society continues to be concerned with the increasing prevalence of autism. In the next few days, many will discuss the reasons behind the new prevalence rates. The Autism Society and our 110 local and state affiliates are ready and willing to assist the growing population, now in the millions, of individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We know that a diagnosis doesn’t always mean services will start right away; whether it’s screening, diagnosis, interventions, or services, the earlier we take action, the better,” said Scott Badesch, President and CEO of the Autism Society of America.
“Unfortunately, far too many unnecessary obstacles are placed in the path of many individuals living with ASD, especially adults. For some, supports may entail providing assistance with finding and securing affordable and appropriate housing, or transition support as a young person moves from high school to adult life, including employment. Better services and supports are needed. With the cost of care for a lifetime as high as $3.2 million for one individual with ASD, the challenges in meeting these costs are overwhelming for most families, and the need for equity and increased family services is paramount. As a nation, we must continue to close the gaps in autism services, particularly for minority communities. There must be a national commitment to be more responsive to the daily needs of each person living with Autism Spectrum Disorder,” said Badesch.
The Autism Society is the nation’s largest and oldest grassroots autism organization. Founded in 1965, the Autism Society helps over a million people each year through a grassroots nationwide network of local and state affiliates. The Autism Society’s core functions work toward ensuring each person with autism is provided with every opportunity to maximize their quality of life. Many obstacles lie in the way of an individual with ASD achieving success. While a majority of adults with autism can and want to work, over 80% in the United States today are denied that opportunity. Many students with ASD do not graduate high school with a degree or credential that position them to obtain meaningful work. While we know that early intervention treatment and support is very effective, many families are denied that opportunity due to financial status, lack of insurance coverage or limited resources in the geographic region in which they reside.
The Autism Society provides the most comprehensive and effective national Contact Center for ASD, where trained professionals are available to help seven days a week from 9 am to 9 pm EST. The Contact Center can be reached at 1-800-3-Autism or info@autism-society.org. For more information about the Autism Society or to find your local or state Autism Society, go to www.autism-society.org. You can view this release online at: http://pitch.pe/1mwSZDy
About the Autism Society: The nation’s leading grassroots autism organization, the Autism Society exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. We do this by increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people with ASD, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy. For more information, visit www.autism-society.org.