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Home > Topics > Health > Autism

Help Families Affected by Autism

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life; it typically affects a person’s ability to communicate and socially interact with others.

Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than girls. It is believed to affect one in every 250 people, with the rate of diagnosis increasing substantially over the past two decades. Despite these increased diagnoses, the cause of this disorder is still unknown. It is generally accepted that it is caused by abnormalities in brain structure or function. It knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries. Family income, lifestyle, and educational levels do not affect the chance of autism's occurrence. Current research indicates there is a strong genetic component, but several researchers are also examining the possibility of an environmental trigger.

Living with a child who has autism often brings great changes to everyday family life. Use the resources below to learn how you can help improving the lives of children and families affected by autism.

Facts About Autism

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1 in 250 births

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1 to 1.5 million Americans

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Fastest-growing developmental disability

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10 - 17 % annual growth

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Growth comparison during the 1990s

U.S. population increase	13%
Disabilities increase	16%
Autism increase	172%

Source: Autism Society of America

Make A Donation
Help raise money for autism research, education and supportive services.

Donate to one of the charities below, or search for another related organization.

Autism Coalition for Research and Education, Inc.
Funding research, education & service projects.

Autism Research Foundation
Dedicated to research into autism & other related developmental brain disorders.

Autism Society of America
Improving the lives of individuals with autism, & their families.

Cure Autism Now (CAN) Foundation
Dedicated to finding treatments, prevention & a cure for autism.

Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism
Grants to organizations who help families affected by autism.

May Institute
Educational & rehabilitative services for individuals & families of individuals with autism.

National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR)
Research into the causes, prevention & ultimately cure of autism.

Organization for Autism Research
Practical information that helps people with autism, their families, teachers, & caregivers.

Unlocking Autism
Educating parents & professionals about pending legislation regarding autism.

Be A Volunteer
Share you time with people affected by autism.

Explore one of the volunteer opportunities here, or search for another near you.

Abilities Network, Inc.
Become an Abilities in Action volunteer.

Adam's Camp
Volunteer this summer.

Asperger Syndrome Coalition of the United States
Monitor the Web, run a support group, or help fundraise.

Autism Society of America
Volunteer at the national office.

Autism One
Volunteer in the fight against autism.

Cure Autism Now (CAN) Foundation
Participate in Cure Autism Now Events.

National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR)
Walk FAR for NAAR.

Learn More
Give the gift of time by volunteering.

Visit the Web sites below to learn more about autism.

Autism Coalition for Research and Education, Inc.
Promote public policies that furthers autism research & education.

Autism One
Education, advocacy, & fundraising.

Autism Research Institute
Network of parents and professionals concerned with autism.

Autism Society of America
Advocate on behalf of the autism community.

Cure Autism Now (CAN) Foundation
Pput autism on America's political agenda.

First Signs
More about early warning signs of autism & other developmental disorders.

LD Online
Web site on learning disabilities for parents, teachers & other professionals.

National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR)
Help secure increased federal funding for autism research.