Over his career supporting children with developmental disabilities, Lorrie Henderson, PhD, MBA, LCSW, has carried out original research on autism and has served non-profit behavioral health organizations by improving autism services. The term autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), describes conditions that impact the brain in varying degrees. Often, ASD influences children and adults by inhibiting social and communication skills. However, some people with autism exhibit talents for the visual arts and mathematics. Researchers and developmental experts like Lorrie Henderson continue to investigate the cause of and possible treatments for ASD.

1. A Few Statistics on Autism in
America
By Lorrie Henderson

2. Introduction

Over his career supporting children with
developmental disabilities, Lorrie
Henderson, PhD, MBA, LCSW, has carried out
original research on autism and has served nonprofit behavioral health organizations by
improving autism services. The term autism, also
known as autism spectrum disorder
(ASD), describes conditions that impact the brain
in varying degrees. Often, ASD influences
children and adults by inhibiting social and
communication skills. However, some people
with autism exhibit talents for the visual arts and
mathematics. Researchers and developmental
experts like Lorrie Henderson continue to
investigate the cause of and possible treatments
for ASD.

3. Statistics

According to the United States Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, roughly one
of every 54 American boys will be diagnosed
with autism, compared to 1 of every 252
American girls. Overall, more than 2 million
people in the United States live with ASD.
Usually, symptoms of ASD first manifest in
children between the ages of two and three.
Early intervention therapies hold the promise
of improving outcomes and helping children
learn vital social skills.
For more information about ASD and to
donate to ASD-related causes, please visit
www.autismspeaks.org.