Autism hotlines

Autism society hotline

Facts about autism

Autism spectrum disorder now affects 1 in 68 children.

Boys are nearly 5 times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with ASD

Autism spectrum disorder is one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders in the United States.

ASD is more common than childhood cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined.

Autism signs & symptoms

• Avoids or does not keep eye contact
• Does not respond to name by 9 months of age
• Does not show facial expressions like happy, sad, angry, and surprised by 9 months of age
• Does not play simple interactive games like pat-a-cake by 12 months of age
• Uses few or no gestures by 12 months of age (for example, does not wave goodbye)
• Does not share interests with others by 15 months of age (for example, shows you an object that they like)
• Does not point to show you something interesting by 18 months of age
• Does not notice when others are hurt or upset by 24 months of age
• Does not notice other children and join them in play by 36 months of age
• Does not pretend to be something else, like a teacher or superhero, during play by 48 months of age
• Does not sing, dance, or act for you by 60 months of age

Things that help me with my autism:

• taking a bath
• Reading or watching a comfort book/film
• Taking a walk on a nice day
• Cry it out
• Talk to a trusted parent or friend