Racing Against Autism

Various sources put the affected rate between 1 in 90 and 1 in 150 children diagnosed with Autism in today's society.  That is a huge number.  Nearly one child in every three classrooms has some form of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Autism seems to affect more boys than it does girls.  The most recent study concluded in 2007 found nearly 1 in 94 boys were affected.

Less than 5% of research funding into preventions for childhood disorders goes into Autism research, yet Autism affects more kids than type 1 diabetes, pediatric AIDS, cancer and Down Syndrome combined.  It is the fastest growing developmental disorder in the United States.

Unfortunately, the causes of Autism aren't really known, therefore it's very difficult to find a cure.  At this time there is no know cure, but therapy interventions have proved beneficial to those affected.

The numbers are hard to put together, but it is estimated that nearly 1.5 million people in the U.S. have Autism and with an affected rate of 1 in 150, that number is growing rapidly.

Autism often goes undiagnosed.  However there are behavioral patterns recognized as problems with social, emotional and communication skills.  Children who continously repeat actions, or are extremely upset if routines are changed may be suffering from ASD.  For more information on recognizing the signs and symptoms, read this Fact Sheet on Autism Spectrum Disorders.

The only currently known treatments for ASD are intense therapy interventions focused on speech, occupational and physical limitations.  20-30 hours of intervention therapies are recommended per week.  However, a very small percentage of those kids needing therapy actually get any.  Like most medical interventions, therapy costs a lot of money.

Becuase there are no "known" cures for Autism, many insurance plans may not cover therapy services.  However, you need to check with your provider and your state to learn about the availability of services for special needs children.  Often this may be special education instructors and therapists who work with your child in school.

Therapies provided outside the State public school system may or may not be covered by your insurance.  This is why The ISAAC Foundation was formed, to help parents of Autistic children afford intervention services.

Different therapies and the intensity of service will all have an affect on cost.  In the Spokane region, costs can range from $30,000 to $80,000 per year.  The ISAAC Foundation tries to help by providing grants to defray these costs.

Depending on the severity of your childs ASD, where they fall on the spectrum, it -is- possible for them to lead a more normal life.  Much of this depends on early intervention, identifying methods of learning for the child and how to teach them, understanding the childs limitations and working with them to overcome them.  With proper intervention therapies, the cost of lifelong care can be reduced two thirds.  In other words, without intervention, the costs for a child with Autism to grow up and be taken care of will be three times more expensive.  Those costs could be up to 5 million dollars through the life of the child.