Autism is the fastest-growing disability, currently
reaching epidemic proportions at a rate of 10-17 percent
per year. At these rates, the Autism Society of America
(ASA) estimates that the prevalence of autism could
reach 4 million Americans in the next decade. It is the
most common of the Pervasive Developmental Disorders,
affecting an estimated 1 in 250 births. This means that as
many as 1.5 million Americans today are believed to
have some form of autism. Autism is four times more
prevalent in boys than in girls.