ASD occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.

ASD is almost five times more common among boys than among girls.

CDC estimates that about 1 in 68 children has been identified with ASD.

Diagnosing ASD can be difficult since there is no medical test, like a blood test, to diagnose the disorders.

Doctors look at the child’s behavior and development to make a diagnosis.

ASD can sometimes be detected at 18 months or younger. By age 2, a diagnosis by an experienced professional can be considered very reliable.

Many children do not receive a final diagnosis until much older. This delay means that children with ASD might not get the early help they need.

There is currently no cure for ASD. Research shows that early intervention treatment services can improve a child’s development.

Early intervention services help children from birth to 3 years old (36 months) learn important skills. Services can include therapy to help the child talk, walk, and interact with others.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that obesity is 50 percent more common in adolescents with developmental disabilities and those with autism face the greatest risk.

It is important to talk to your child’s doctor as soon as possible if you think your child has ASD or other developmental problem.

Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the U.S.

More than 3 million Americans have an autism spectrum disorder.

Lifetime care can cost $3.2 million.

47,000 new families start their journeys with autism each year.

The rate of autism is up more than 300 percent since 2002.