Autism is part of life for half a million young people who will grow into full adulthood over the next eight years. Each year, on average, 50,000 young people with autism transition into adults. The majority of the 1.5 million Americans suffering from autism are under the age of 22. The advance of this many people with the disorder as they transition into adulthood is being described by some observers as an "autism tsunami."
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder, affecting social and communication skills. The condition is usually diagnosed in children before their third birthday.
Roughly one in 88 babies born in the United States during 2012 were diagnosed with the disorder, which is becoming more common. By 2014, that number had jumped to one in 68.
The number of diagnosed autism cases in the United States has skyrocketed since the 1980's. Researchers are still uncertain if this represents the disorder becoming more common, or a result of additional screenings and funding for diagnoses.
"More people than ever before are being diagnosed with ASD. It is unclear how much of this increase is due to a broader definition of ASD and better efforts in diagnosis. However, a true increase in the number of people with an ASD cannot be ruled out. The increase in ASD diagnosis is likely due to a combination of these factors," the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on their Web site.
The Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education and Support Act of 2014 (Autism Cares) was recently signed into law by President Obama. This legislation would provide $1.3 billion over five years for autism research, and to identify gaps in care for those with autism, including those on the verge of becoming adults.
"Previous autism law including the Combating Autism Act of 2011 made critical investments - continued by this bill - that are working to determine the causes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), identify autistic children as early as possible to begin treatment, raise critical awareness and develop new therapies and effective services," Chris Smith, U.S. Representative from New Jersey, said.
The Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network (ADDM) carried out a study of eight-year-old children in 11 communities around the nation to determine the current rate of autism.
"My ultimate hope is that one day soon my children will live in a world where they will be accepted and appreciated, despite their differences. As long as I am here, I try to surround them with people who love and accept them as they navigate this world, because autism never takes a day off," Mary Elizabeth, parent of two autistic children, said.
