Rising Autism Rates: How We Can Respond, and How Others Already Have

1 in 88 children are diagnosed with autism, a developmental disorder usually detected by age three characterized by difficulty forming social relationships, difficulty communicating with others, and impairment of speech.  The disorder is a rapidly growing condition according to the Autism Society of McLean County, whose research shows that “autism is growing at a rate of 10-17% per year…it is estimated that the prevalence of autism could reach four million Americans in the next decade,” (Autism Society of McLean County).

As the number of people affected by autism increases rapidly each year, local UVA students are combating the growing numbers by joining an organization on grounds, Autism Speaks U, the university branch of the national Autism Speaks organization. Autism Speaks works to promote autism advocacy and fundraise for research– especially important for autism since private funding is low compared to funding for other major disorders that are detected at a young age.  According to numbers from Autism Speaks, leukemia, which affects 1 in 1,200 children receives $277 million in private funding, muscular dystrophy which affects about 1 in 100,000 children receives $162 million, and Autism, which affects 1 in 88 receives $79 million from private funding (Autism Speaks Facts).

I spoke with Sydney Quigley, a member of Autism Speaks U at UVA, who expressed that her motivation and perspective comes from having a brother with autism.  Quigley explained that “When my brother was born in 1994 it [the number of people diagnosed with autism] was 1 in 10,000…These kids need support, education, and care that is adapted to their needs…It is a daily struggle because they are living in a world that does not fit their way of thought and needs.”

Krupa Patel, the current President of Autism Speaks U at UVA, had different reasons for joining, but the same enthusiasm. She realized she wanted to get involved when she learned, “how little there is known about autism. It is still unclear how autism develops, what may trigger it, or basically anything specific about the disorder since it affects both boys and girls and does not discriminate in race or ethnicity…I want to help spread knowledge about autism so hopefully a time will come where we don’t hear about so many people being affected by it.”

Brittany Morgan, another member of Autism Speaks U at UVA dedicates her time to this organization because her 8-year-old brother, Will, “has epilepsy, is non-verbal, is very developmentally delayed, and has autistic tendencies. Will is not technically defined as autistic, but he has shown me what is means to be ‘different’ and how hard that can be, not only for him, but also for his loved ones. When I found out about Autism Speaks and it’s mission, I knew I wanted to become a part of it and to help others just like Will.”

Inspired to inform the public and raise money for research, these students work each day towards an environment that can provide the right resources for autistic people and their families, while additionally contributing towards combating the rising growth of autism. Although there is still little known about autism and what causes it, Brittany, Krupa, Sydney, and their fellow members of Autism Speaks U provide a symbol of hope for many families and individuals who are affected by autism.

If you are interested in getting involved or learning more about autism, please refer to the links below, and check the Autism Speaks U UVA Facebook page to stay updated on their events.

Helpful links:

http://www.autismspeaks.org/

http://www.facebook.com/AutismSpeaksUatUVA?ref=hl

Sources:

http://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/autism

http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/facts-about-autism

http://autismmclean.org/unders…

• Autism Speaks