What is Autism?

Watch the video below to see why college students' involvement with Autism Speaks U is so critical in educating their campus and community.

Autism is a neurological disorder that impairs an individual’s ability to communicate, form relationships with others, and relate to their surroundings. Autism can also be referred to as a developmental disability.

Did you know...

• Autism now affects 1 in 88 children and 1 in 54 boys
• Autism prevalence figures are growing
• More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined
• Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
• Autism costs the nation $126 billion per year
• Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases
• Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism
• There is no medical detection or cure for autism

Login to the site to access our Press & Media Packet that contains talking points about autism and our organization.

For additional information about autism, visit www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism.