AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

 
 

Autism represents a neurotype characterized by varying degrees of communication and sensory processing differences, and these differences in communication and expression represent equally valid ways of experiencing and navigating the world. SLLEA’s aim is to value those differences through neuroaffirming supports while building an improved understanding of neurodiversity and the legitimate variation of communication across neurotypes so we can better communicate with our students and the community.

Across the world, research indicates there may be as many as 75 million people with autism. In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 1.0% of the world’s population, more than 5 million Americans, are living with autism, with 1 in 36 American children identified as on the spectrum. Research suggests that up to 15-20% of the U.S. population is neurodivergent.

Every individual with autism is unique in his or her abilities and challenges. Whereas much focus to date has been on the challenges and deficits that individuals face with autism in the neurotypical world, we know that a great many of these individuals excel well beyond the average population in intellectual abilities, and visual, music, math, art and academic skills. Moreover, common strengths include attention to detail, good memory, creativity and the ability to hyperfocus. Yet, despite heightened abilities in these and other areas, most young adults with autism are experiencing particular difficulty during transition to adulthood, and are struggling to acquire and maintain even minor successes in higher education, employment and living independently.

While it is critical to understand causation and the difficulties presented by autism, it is imperative that we turn to a strength-based approach with equal focus to effectively developing the natural abilities of individuals with autism while providing skill development and meaningful ways to overcome obstacles.

SLLEA was created to fill an urgent need to provide effective opportunity, self-advocacy support and technology that will allow individuals autism to transition fully into adulthood with confidence and success.

Prevalence

  • Autism occurs across all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups.

  • Autism is one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders.

  • Every year in the U.S., more than 70,000 teens with autism transition to adulthood, many without access to autism specific services.

Financial Cost

  • Autism services in the U.S. are estimated to cost nearly half a trillion dollars annually in the year 2025.

  • It is estimated $175-196 billion cost is in adult services.  

  • Having a child with autism costs a family on average $60,000 a year, and between $1.4 to $2.4 million over a lifespan due to costs related to medical, support services and lost wages.

Education and Employment

  • Almost half of all individuals with autism have average to above-average intellectual ability.

  • As many as 85% of adults on the spectrum with a college education are unemployed.

  • 35% of young adults (ages 19-23) with autism have not had a job or received postgraduate education after leaving high school.

Other

  • There is much less known about autism in adulthood compared to our understanding of autism in children.

  • Most individuals with autism will need some level of support and services throughout their lifetime.