Epilepsy Talk

Autism — Who Has It? | June 10, 2025

The autism rate has increased — 1 in 68 kids are now identified with the disorder.

The information that a child has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder often throws parents into an emotional tailspin.

And it’s no wonder why. Simply consider the staggering costs…

A study, published in JAMA Pediatrics and funded by the nonprofit Autism Speaks, suggests that autism’s financial toll on individuals, families and society as a whole is “much higher than previously suggested,” and includes direct medical, educational and residential costs, as well as indirect costs such as lost wages.

The national cost for children with autism and an intellectual disability in the U.S. was more than $107,800 per year up to age 5, and roughly $85,600 per year between ages 6 and 17.

A new study has found that the cost of supporting a person with an autism spectrum disorder throughout his or her lifetime can soar as high as $3.5 million to $5 million.

Yet the estimated amount of NIH Funding for FY 2014 for autism spectrum disorder was $190M.

And in 10 years, the annual cost is expected to be $200-400 billion.

AUTISM SPECTRUM FACTS

One in 68 children has been identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder. And autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the U.S. with a 10-17% annual growth rate.

And it’s still not precisely known what is causing the steady rise in autism diagnosis.

“There has certainly been an increase in awareness, and that drives families toward earlier action … It drives them to ask questions at earlier ages, and it also increases the probability of detection,” Rob Ring, chief science officer with the nonprofit Autism Speaks, said.

“We also know that surveillance itself is improving. Groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics have instituted guidelines for screening, which increase the chances of picking up kids who have been missed previously.”

Notably, the new report found that most children tend to be diagnosed after age 4, despite advances that have made it possible for diagnosis to happen as early as age 2. Minority and under served populations tend be diagnosed even later.

The CDC recommends children be screened when the are 9, 18 and 24-30 months. Another research study suggests that some signs of autism are visible as early as 12 months of age.

That disparity suggests that too many children are “missing out on the transformative benefits on outcomes that early intervention offers,” Ring said. “Earlier diagnosis has got to be a priority.”

In a statement, Coleen Boyle, director of the CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, echoed the sentiment.

“Community leaders, health professionals, educators and childcare providers should use these data to ensure children with ASD are identified as early as possible and connected to the services they need,” she said.

STATISTICS:

Boys are more likely to have autism than girls. Autism is roughly five times more common in boys than girls, according to CDC estimates. One in 42 boys have been identified with autism, compared to 1 in 189 girls.

The symptoms of autism can present themselves in infancy. According to the NIH, early indicators include: No babbling by age 1, no single words by 16 months, poor eye contact and more.

Scientists are not certain what causes autism. According to the NIMH, both genetic and environmental factors could contribute.

There is no cure for autism, but there are ways to treat it. Autism is treated with therapy, education plans and medication. Doctors and scientists say that early identification and intervention for children with ASD can help them thrive academically and socially in the future.

Research shows that there is no link between the onset of autism and vaccinations. Even when multiple vaccines are given to a child on the same day, they are still not at risk of developing autism.

If a child has ASD, their sibling has a 2-8% of also being affected. Studies have also shown that if a child with ASD has an identical twin, the other will be affected anywhere from 36-95% of the time.

20-30% of children with ASD develop epilepsy. Children whose language skills regress before they turn 3 have been found to have a higher risk of developing epilepsy.

About 10% of children who have ASD also have another genetic, metabolic or neurologic disorder.

These disorders include Bipolar Disorder, Fragile X syndrome and Down syndrome according to the CDC.

There’s no question that parenting an autistic child, a child who is misunderstood, mislabeled and mistreated is a huge responsibility and effort.

When society doesn’t understand the reasons behind behavior, it’s the child’s fault. Or it’s the parent’s fault.

What if, as a parent you were told:

“You’ve done nothing wrong. You didn’t cause this. You haven’t failed your child. You were given an instruction manual for a Ford and your child is a Ferrari.

So, congratulations! Your child is NOT fundamentally different from other children. You just need the right instruction manual.”

Parenting your child will be more intense. You’ll need more patience and time. Your child will have intense emotions and needs.

But he or she will also have intense curiosity, drive, determination, desire, persistence and individuality.

What you’ll need to find is the right fuel, the right environment and the right supports.

With those, your child has great potential. With the right supports, they will have a happy and fulfilling life.

SUPPORT:

If you have a child with autism and want to learn more about programs that can help, visit http://www.myASDF.org.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation is a charity that supports children with autism spectrum disorders by providing education, information, and financial assistance to their families and relevant community service organizations.

Funds donated to ASDF are used to address any and all kinds of issues in assisting children with autism and their families.

Visit http://www.myASDF.org, email info@myASDF.org, or call 877-806-0635 for more information and to see how you can help.

An article of interest: Rebalancing the autistic brain with low doses of anti-anxiety drugs  http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/274282.php?tw

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Resources:

http://sfari.org/news-and-opinion/news/2011/scientists-probe-puzzling-overlap-of-epilepsy-and-autism
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110419003648.htm
http://www.webmd.com/epilepsy/news/20110419/treatment-resistant-epilepsy-linked-autism
http://www.livescience.com/45951-autism-epilepsy-connection.html
http://money.cnn.com/2012/04/02/pf/autism/
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080229105843.htm
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/brenda-rothman/autism_b_2733094.html?utm_hp_ref=parents-autism

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