In addition to the information below, we have printable handouts you can use to promote awareness in your community. Please click on the handout to view and print the information. Autism is a developmental disability that effects a person s ability to properly understand what they see, hear, and otherwise sense. Autism primarily affects communication. People with autism typically have difficulty understanding verbal and nonverbal communication and learning appropriate ways of relating to people and, objects, and events.
Autism is the third most common developmental disability following mental retardation and epilepsy.
Autism occurs in 1 of every 500 people. It is four times more prevalent in males than females. Autism occurs in all races and socioeconomic classes. Family income, lifestyle, or education do not affect whether or not a child will be born with autism. Severe deviations in understanding social relationships - Children with autism may not use eye contact in social interactions, may resist being picked up, and seem to tune out the world.