April 2, 2004
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April IS Autism Awareness Month
Since my son Caleb is autistic, I want to make people aware that this disability is on the rise and has been for a few years now…and yet, our government refuses to see it for what it really is. There are many terrible things that plague this country and our children…but Autism is the most overlooked.
Most pediatricians do not even recognize Autism as being a real disability. It’s the most misdiagnosed disability in the world. This is a major problem…the reason being that Autism, if treatment not started at an early age can get to the point of being irreversible at all. I’m not saying that Autism ever goes away completely, of course it doesn’t, but if diagnosed soon enough and treatments started at an early age…the child has a much better chance of it lessoning to the point of living a semi-normal life as opposed to never being able to communicate at all.
Even my pediatrician, who happens to be one of the best in his field and has even assisted in writing several books on ADD, misdiagnosed my son and still refuses to state that he’s autistic. If my ex and I hadn’t been so persist ant and not have researched as much as we did, Caleb wouldn’t have gotten the help that he so desperately has needed over the years.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that so many people just aren’t informed about Autism and that IS a problem.
Autism Society of America
Autism Facts
1 in 250 births
1 to 1.5 million Americans
Fastest-growing developmental disability
10 – 17 % annual growth
Growth comparison during the 1990s:
U.S. population increase: 13%
Disabilities increase: 16%
Autism increase: 172%
$90 billion annual cost
90% of costs are in adult services
Cost of lifelong care can be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention
In 10 years, the annual cost will be $200-400 billion
2003 Copyright Autism Society of America. All rights reserved.
Autism graphics by Cher
Comments (13)
Getting the word out is so important! I am still so pleased about Caleb’s progress!
Great to see the information where all can read
Happy Caleb is doing well 
Well done to you both for getting the best help for him
this is great!!
Excellent!
My special ed. course barely touches on it unfortunately– I hoped I’d learn much more. But good for you to tell the world honey!
I love you! 
thanks for the education….
Yeah thats very good your talking about this since it effects you pefectly. And its good you have gotten Caleb the help he needs
I admire you for all your work with this
Keep it up!!
I had no idea it was growing like that. Does anyone know why?
Sounds like Caleb is in good hands with great parents like his. 
very good stuff you have here. thank you.
First let me say that I saw Eric’s picture from 12 years ago this time and WOW he was gorgeous ! ! ! lol Secondly, I was gonna tell you about VelvetGlove and her son. However I just noticed you already know about her. lol That is where I have learned about all I know about autism to this point. But I am interested and learning. Hope you have a great day and a wonderful tomorrow ! ! ! Much love and many hugs ! ! ! ! Sleep with the angels and wake up feeling refreshed and ready for a new day ! ! ! !
What criteria are used to diagnose it? How did you find out he had it? I often wonder if it is somehow related to all of the continual massive immunizations that the little ones must get? Someday we will know.. Bless you and Caleb..