Autism Society of America

My autistic cousins, Nolan (top) and Bradly (bottom)

Autism...what is it?

Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime. It is part of a group of disorders known as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Today, 1 in 150 individuals is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and social groups and is four times more likely to strike boys than girls. Autism impairs a person's ability to communicate and relate to others. It is also associated with rigid routines and repetitive behaviors, such as obsessively arranging objects or following very specific routines. Symptoms can range from very mild to quite severe.

Did you know…

• 1 in 150 children is diagnosed with autism
• 1 in 94 boys is on the autism spectrum
• 67 children are diagnosed per day
• A new case is diagnosed almost every 20 minutes
• 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 over $35 billion per year, a figure expected to significantly increase in the next decade
• 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

incidence vs. Private Funding

• Leukemia: Affects 1 in 25,000 / Funding: $310 million
• Muscular Dystrophy: Affects 1 in 20,000 / Funding: $175 million
• Pediatric AIDS: Affects 1 in 8,000 / Funding: $394 million
• Juvenile Diabetes: Affects 1 in 500 / Funding: $130 million
• Autism: Affects 1 in 150 / Funding:ONLY $42 million

I know many boys, some are family, some are friends, all have amazing Mothers and Fathers who love these kids more than life themselves, executing patience beyond what a parent of a non-autistic child can only dream about. More and more children are diagnosed everyday, possible our own future sons and daughters.

This month (MAY) Mike and I are giving 20% of all proceeds to austismspeaks.org to help fund research for a cure. Please take a moment and check out our two shops at MTart and Stormtrooper1 Decorate your home with something you love while helping out others who are loved.

Don't like anything we are selling???? You can donate directly to the cause at http://www.autismspeaks.org/donate/index.php

Thank you for your time! God bless all the autistic children of the world!

Meredith & Mike