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Mental Health: Facts & Statistics
AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS
- Autism affects an estimated 1 to 2 per 1,000 people. – National Institute of Mental Health, 2001
- Autism is about four times more common in boys than girls. Girls with the disorder, however, tend to have more severe symptoms and greater cognitive impairment. – National Institute of Mental Health, 2001
- Possible Indicators of Autism Spectrum Disorders:
- Does not babble, point, or make meaningful gestures by 1 year of age
- Does not speak one word by 16 months
- Does not combine two words by 2 years
- Does not respond to name
- Loses language or social skills
- Poor eye contact
- Doesn't seem to know how to play with toys
- Excessively lines up toys or other objects
- Is attached to one particular toy or object
- Doesn't smile
- At times seems to be hearing impaired
– National Institute of Mental Health, 2001
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Subsections:
Myths & Facts:
Specific Mental Illnesses:
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