Autism Spectrum Disorders:

The number of people in the United States diagnosed with autism is growing every day.  In fact, based on statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and other governmental agencies, the prevalence of autism is growing at a startling rate – between 10 and 17 percent per year.  If the trend continues, as many as 4 million Americans could be diagnosed in the next decade.

Often referred to as a “spectrum disorder,” autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others to varying degrees.  Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) range from traditional autism to the milder Asperger Syndrome, and although symptoms are varied, they often include repetitive behavior, difficulty with basic communication, social delays, and unusual reactions to every day changes.

National Resources:

Autism Society of America: www.autism-society.org (301) 657-0881 / (800) 328-8476

Autism Speaks:  www.autismspeaks.org (323) 549-0500

Center for Disease Control – Autism: cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html 800-CDC-INFO (800)232-4636/ TTY: (888) 232-6348, 1600 Clifton Rd. Atlanta, GA 30333

Tri-West: Extended help care program. ECHO information & referral line: (866) 212-0442

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:  www.hhs.gov/autism

Hawaii Resources:

Autism Society of Hawaii: www.autism-society.org/get-involved/ state-resources/hawaii.html/ Contact Naomi Grossman (808) 228-0122 or autismh@gmail.com