opiates in their bodies. This "drug" substance alters the person's behavior, perceptions, and responses to their environment. This theory has not been scientifically proven yet, and has not gained widespread acceptance in the U.S. medical community. However, there are anecdotal reports of improvement in people with autism.Statistics Of Autism: Incidence, Cost And RatioAutism is more common than previously believed. It occurs in 1 out of every 500 births (Centers for Disease Controls and Prevention, 1997). It is the third most common developmental disorder (Mental Retardation being most common and Cerebral Palsy being second). Autism affects over 400,000 Americans and costs the nation well over $13 billion a year. It is four times more common in males than females. Every day there are 53 babies born in the United States who will later be diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, which equals over 19,000 individuals each year. An estimated 51.7 million children were enrolled in the nation's public and private elementary and secondary schools in the fall of 1996. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, enrollment in school will be 55.9 million by 2005, and 280,000 of those students will have autism spectrum disorder. At least 800,000 educational personnel are needed to serve these students. In conclusion, autism is a very complex disorder and because of the different extents of the disorder it is very hard to find a cure. With the technology of today improving at a rapid rate, autism is now better understood and treated than fifty years ago when autism was first announced. People are starting to realize and understand that people with autism have something to offer, and just arent mentally retarded. Although this disorder is not very pleasant, its condition has improved over the time it was first introduced as a pervasive development disorder, and hopefully within the next fifty years a possible cause or cu...
