You are here:

Autism/prevalence, housing statistics

Advertisement

Expert: - 6/29/2006


Question
I was wondering the overall prevalence of people with autism.  Also, what percentage lives at home versus alternate housing situations (assisted living, group homes, and on their own)?  

Answer
Hi Amy,

Autism is thought to occur in as many as 10% of people. Be aware this ranges over a spectrum from the child who is non-verbal and locked into a world of rocking and head banging all the way to the High-Functioning Autistic or Asperger's Syndrome person. At that end of the scale, the primary deficit is in social understanding.

I have no data about how many live at home vs. other settings. Suffice it to say, that is a highly personal decision for the parents and it depends on their own abilities, insurance coverage, religious beliefs and a host of other considerations.

In my opinion, the more support resources a family has, the more likely they are to be able to keep their child at home. When the extended family is unaccepting or even critical, the parents are in a very difficult position.

Here is a list of web links where you can learn more about the Autistic Spectrum.

http://www.patientcenters.com/autism/news/resources.html (books and resources)

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/asperger/asperger.htm (the definitions and government links)

http://www.autism.org/temple/meds.html (about medication)

http://www.autism.org/ (many links to information)

http://www.autismasperger.net/intro.htm (Stephen Shore’s web site)

http://www.angelfire.com/pa5/as/asteachersites.html (teaching resources)

http://www.aspergers.com/Adolesc.htm (adolescence issues)

http://www.mentalhealth.com/ (a site where you can enter symptoms and get a possible diagnosis)

http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/full/95/23/13982#B14 (About movement in infancy)

http://groups.msn.com/TheAutismHomePage/toilettraining.msnw (toilet training)

Best wishes,
Catherine

Autism

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Catherine Ridenour

Expertise

I can answer your questions about parenting your High Functioning Autisic or Asperger`s Syndrome child. In particular, questions about family life, discipline, siblings, finding resources, and working with (sometimes opposing) the educational system are welcome.

Experience

I am the parent of an Asperger's Syndrome child who is now 22 years old. She went undiagnosed for 14 years of her life, so I have done extensive reading and Internet research into the possible cause of her difficulties. Even a short 8 years ago, A.S. was practically unheard of by the public educational system.

We fumbled our way through her childhood and early adolescence without any effective outside support. In some ways, that may have been a blessing as we were focused on her abilities rather than a label for her disability. However, I can think of many times when knowing WHY would have been comforting.

Had we known very early on, some social skills interventions might have made her life in school easier. At this point, I like her for who she is so I do not regret how things have turned out. More importantly, she likes herself.

Education/Credentials
I have a Bachelor of Science in Education.

I have worked to educate myself about Autism in general and HFA/AS in particular.

NOTE:

Please note that I have no control over the "sponsored links" at the bottom of this page. I do not endorse these web sites or their products or opinions. Use your own best judgment in evaluating any claim made. As with all things, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.