Currently there are 26,000 children receiving care at childhood development centers in California for autistic children. In 1991, that number was a mere 5,000. In Missouri, the rate of autism diagnosis has grown over 800%. These are just two of the alarming statistics relating to autism increases being seen nationwide.

WHAT IS AUTISM?

The American Psychiatry Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) define autism as a Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD). Pervasive Developmental Disorders are behavior disorders that affect speech, communication, social interaction, and repetitive types of compulsive behaviors are present. Autism is a neurological disorder as well as a behavior disorder. As with any disorder, the affects Autism has on those with it vary. Typically, however, autistic children have little or not emotional involvement, poor or no speech skills, low IQs, ritualistic behavior, and some children are aggressive and can be violent and inflict damage on themselves and others. It is estimated that 70% of autistic children have an IQ of 70 or below.

This, however, could also be contributed to the testing used. It is argued that the IQ tests reflect the lack of language skills seen in autistic children and are not accurate.