Article posted Thursday, April 10, 2014 11:47am

April is National Autism Awareness Month.

1 in 68

The number of U.S. children identified with an autism spectrum disorder.

3

The number of different autism spectrum disorders – Autistic Disorder (also called “classic autism”); Asperger Syndrome (milder symptoms that might include social challenges and unusual behaviors and interests, but no language or intellectual disability); Pervasive Developmental Disorder (fewer and milder symptoms than those with autistic disorder, also called “atypical autism”).

18 and 24

Months at which children can now undergo autism screening under the Affordable Care Act.

62

The percent of children identified as having autism spectrum disorders without intellectual disability.

$4,110 to $6,200

The average annual extra medical expenditures for an autistic child

$90 billion

The annual cost for autism in the United States, including research, insurance costs and non-covered expenses, Medicaid waivers for autism, educational spending, housing, transportation, employment, therapeutic services and caregiver costs.

Sources: Autism Society, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services