Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in 1 out of every 150 children. The disorder known as autism affects 1 in every 88 children and 1 in every 54 boys. There is no known cure for the disorders. Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States and it is estimated that autism costs the U.S. approximately $137 billion dollars per year. While the prevalence of diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders has increased, the amount of federal funding that is spent on research into the disorder is less than 5%. Following are examples of the prevalence of other disorders and the federal funding received:
Prevalence vs. Private Funding
- Leukemia: Affects 1 in 1,200 / Funding: $277 million
- Muscular Dystrophy: Affects 1 in 100,000 / Funding: $162 million
- Pediatric AIDS: Affects 1 in 300 / Funding: $394 million
- Juvenile Diabetes: Affects 1 in 500 / Funding: $156 million
- Autism: Affects 1 in 88 / Funding: $79 million
The National Institutes of Health has a national budget of $30.5 billion earmarked for research. Of that money, only 0.6%, or $169 million, is directed to autism research (Autism Speaks, 2012). There is a tremendous need for more research into the causes of autism spectrum disorders and ultimately, into any interventions that can prevent, or lessen the effects of autism spectrum disorders.
References
Autism Speaks. (2012). Facts about autism. Retrieved from http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/facts-about-autism
Kim,
ReplyDeleteI had no idea how prevalent autism spectrum disorder were. I searched around and found that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a 78% increase of autism cases from 2002- 2008 (2012). What is even more interesting is the gap between females and males who have been diagnosed with a form of autism. From your post, it showed that 1 out of every 54 boys has a form of autism and it was also reported that 1 out of every 252 girls has a form of autism (CDC, 2012). Considering these findings, the amount of funding seems low in comparison to the other diseases. Is there a reason why? Does this amount of money also include all of the resources that the Autism Research Institute uses?
Reference
CDC. (2012). Morbidity and mortality weekly report: Prevalence of autism spectrum disorders — autism and developmental disabilities monitoring network, 14 Sites, United States, 2008. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ss6103a1.htm?s_cid=ss6103a1_e
Kim,
ReplyDeleteThe increasing prevalence of autism in U.S. children has quickly become an area of concern. It is really disconcerting to see that a condition that so significantly impacts one’s ability to function independently receives so little funding for research. My awareness of how prevalent autism is becoming first began as a result of celebrities such as Jenny McCarthy, Holly Robinson Peete, and Toni Braxton, who were so willing to publicly share their experiences in raising autistic children. I think it is important to recognize the physical and emotional impact autism has on the family, but we must also admire the loving, caring, and innate parental instincts that guide parents of autistic children who strive to provide their children with as normal a life as possible. The Mayo Clinic (2012) provided the following noteworthy list of suggestions for parenting a child with autism:
• Find a team of trusted professionals
• Take time for yourself and other family members
• Seek out other families of children with autism
• Learn about the disorder
• Keep organized records of visits and evaluations with service providers
• Stay current on new technologies and therapies
Reference
Mayo Clinic (2012). Coping and support. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/autism/DS00348/DSECTION=coping-and-support