Our knowledge of Autistic Spectrum Disorders is rapidly changing given the many researchers working in this area. The facts below are based upon current scientific understanding of Autism. For a list of source materials please go to our Autism Resources page.

• Autism Spectrum Disorders occur in 1-2 or more of every 500 births and 3-4 times more often in boys.
  
  
• Autism is a developmental disability thought by scientists to have a genetic origin.
  
  
• A family that has a biologically related relative with an Autism Spectrum Disorder is much more likely to have a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder than a family without this history.
  
  
• Autism is the third most common developmental disability following mental retardation and cerebral palsy.
  
  
• 75-80% of persons with Autism also have mental retardation.
  
  
• Autism is more common than multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis or childhood cancer.
  
  
• Early intensive behavioral intervention has been shown to produce marked changes in the skill deficits and problem behavior associated with Autism.