ASD Facts and Misconceptions

Facts at a Glance: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

While there are many things to know about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), we want to highlight 16 key facts that further impact the likelihood that you will interface with an individual with ASD:

Autism Spectrum Disorder in Facts and Figures

FACT 1

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disability.

FACT 2

Behavior serves as a means to communicate for individuals with Autism and other developmental disabilities.

FACT 3

Up to 96% of individuals with ASD have sensory processing differences.

FACT 4

ASD is a very common disorder

FACT 5

Males are more frequently diagnosed with ASD than females

FACT 6

Individuals with ASD often do not receive comprehensive evaluations in a timely manner

FACT 7

Medical and mental health conditions often co-occur with ASD

FACT 8

Almost 10% of students with ASD do not graduate high school

FACT 9

Individuals with ASD are interested in working but continue to have decreased chances at getting a job or living independently

FACT 10

Individuals with ASD are often subjects to bullying at every stage of life

FACT 11

Individuals with ASD have many strengths

FACT 12

Approximately 20 percent of individuals with ASD will interact with and be questioned by police with at least 5 percent being arrested by 21-years of age

FACT 13

Students with ASD are 2 times more likely to be suspended or expelled than peers.

FACT 14

Individuals with ASD are at higher risk for sexual abuse.

FACT 15

Supports for young adults and adults with ASD are far behind those that have targeted early childhood services.

FACT 16

Social justice often fails individuals with ASD