Date: April 1- April 30, 2022
What is a Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts social, speech, behavioral and motor skills. It is a spectrum disorder meaning it varies from person to person. No two people have the same symptoms. It is estimated that 1% of the population is diagnosed with autism.
Prevalence
About 1 in 40 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
1 in 42 boys are diagnosed with autism
1 in 189 girls are diagnosed with autism
100 individuals are diagnosed everyday
ASD is reported to occur in all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups.
ASD is 4 times more common among boys than girls.
Studies in Asia, Europe, and North American have idendified individuals with ASD with an average prevalence of between 1% and 2%.
About 1 in 6 children diagnosed with autism also have a developmental disability.
Parents who have a child with ASD have a 2%-18% chance of having a second child diagnosed with autism
Almost half (44%) of children diagnosed with ASD has average to above average intellectual ability.
ASD commonly co-occurs with other developmental, psychiatric, neurological, chromosomal and genetic diagnoses.
Stimming
- It is also prevalent among people on the autism spectrum.
- In fact in many cases, it is part of the diagnosis due to the repetition of stimming.
- Stimming is often used as a means to self-regulate, self-calm and for self-expression.
- The movements are repetitive and are used to self-stimulate the 7 senses.
- It is often described as a repetitive motor behavior that can disrupt academic and social and other activities.
- One of the theories behind stimming is that beta-endorphrins are released in the brain casuing an euphoric feeling which is generally a response to pain.
- Stimming behavior. based for self-soothing and to help a child or an adult regain emotional balance.
- Sensory Overload. Too much sensory information can lead to stress, anxiety and eventually a meltdown.
Wandering Statistics
- Nearly half of children with autism engage in wandering behavior
- Increased risks are associated with autism severity
- More than one third of children with autism who wander/elope are never or rarely able to communicate their name, address, or phone number
- Half of families report they have never received advice or guidance about elopement from a professional
- Accidental drowning accounts for 71% of lethal outcomes, followed by traffic injuries at 18%
- Other dangers include dehydration; heat stroke; hypothermia; falls; physical restraint; encounters with strangers
- Accidental drowning accounted for 91% total U.S. deaths reported in children with autism due to wandering.
Resources
Download Factsheet
