Do me a favor.  I want you to say something out loud three times.   Even if it is at a whisper just let the words breath over your lips and out into the atmosphere.

For me, whenever I say the thought I am having it suddenly becomes real.  When it is just a passing thought in my mind I can discount it...but when I actually say the words out loud it becomes something I have to deal with. During the times I really need to make a big decision or give deep thought to something I force myself to say it out loud three times.  Saying it that many times allows the words to sink in.

So please say this:

Today Autism is estimated to strike 1 out of every 110 children. 

Say it again.

Today Autism is estimated to strike 1 out of every 110 children.

And once more.

Today Autism is estimated to strike 1 out of every 110 children.


Now say this:

Current estimates in The United States alone, has that 1 out of 70 boys is being diagnosed with Autism.

Say it again.

Current estimates in The United States alone, has that 1 out of 70 boys is being diagnosed with Autism.

And just once more.

Current estimates in The United States alone, has that 1 out of 70 boys is being diagnosed with Autism.


We can debate the reasons why the rates of autism are increasing 10-17 % per year.  Thats fine.  Someone can argue that it is because children are being diagnosed with Autism that 10 years ago never would have been. Thats great.  Someone can say that it is because of vaccines that Autism is flooding our current generation of children. Sure. Whatever.  I am not so concerned about the "why or the how" of Autism.  In my life, I focus on the "who and what" of Autism.

Who needs help?  Who are the parents who are overwhelmed with raising a child inside the spectrum?  Who are the ASD children that are not getting the support they need?  Who are the siblings of ASD children who are feeling lost?  Who are the extended family of Autistic children that are having a hard time understanding? 


What can we do to help these people?  What is it they need from us?  What can I do?

The prevalence of Autism should terrify people enough into action.  The shear numbers alone of children being diagnosed should send our political leaders into a tizzy.  It is only a matter of time that Autism will become a serious issue in the national debate.  It won't just be something that is mentioned by Larry King in the month of April.  It will become a major topic of conversation in our health care and education.  It will become something that our churches need to take seriously. 

Say it out loud.

We need to do more.

We need to do more.

We need to do more.

If you need more convincing than chew on this:

• Autism now affects 1 in 110 children and 1 in 70 boys
• Autism prevalence figures are growing
• More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined
• Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
• Autism costs the nation over $35 billion per year, a figure expected to significantly increase in the next decade
• Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases
• Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism
• There is no medical detection or cure for autism

Prevalence vs. Private Funding

• Leukemia: Affects 1 in 1,200 / Funding: $277 million
• Muscular Dystrophy: Affects 1 in 100,000 / Funding: $162 million
• Pediatric AIDS: Affects 1 in 300 / Funding: $394 million
• Juvenile Diabetes: Affects 1 in 500 / Funding: $156 million
• Autism: Affects 1 in 110 / Funding: $79 million

National Institutes of Health Funds Allocation

• Total 2009 NIH budget: $35.9 billion
• Of this, only $196 million goes directly to autism research. This represents 0.5% of total NIH funding.

Pray.
Pray.
Pray.





Source:
http://www.autismspeaks.org/whatisit/facts.php