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Thankyou for reminding me, Cynthia.
So many have autism and struggle. One family I know very well have 2 sons who are in their mid 20's now and are really making something of their lives. I have always liked them a lot and they seem to respond to me. Very nice boys. They are both working, but not full time.
And one little lad of about 6 swore at me and tried to block me from passing him in the street last Wednesday. His mother whispered "autism" to me, but my first impression was that he was rude and a bit of a bully.
More we learn, the more we can respond helpfully. :-)
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Thinking of all families who are affected by Autism in whatever way. <3
I know there are quite a few members on this site who are dealing with autism issues on a day-to-day basis.
Here are some facts and statistics about autism, and how it can affect children, adults and their families.
The term 'autism' is used here to describe all diagnoses on the autism spectrum including classic autism, Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism.
Autism is a serious, lifelong and disabling condition. Without the right support, it can have a profound - sometimes devastating - effect on individuals and families.
Autism is much more common than many people think. There are over half a million people in the UK with autism - that's around 1 in 1002. If you include their families, autism touches the lives of over two million people every day.
Autism doesn't just affect children. Children with autism grow up to be adults with autism.
Autism is a hidden disability - you can't always tell if someone has it.
While autism is incurable, the right support at the right time can make an enormous difference to people's lives.
Over 40% of children with autism have been bullied at school.
Over 50% of children with autism are not in the kind of school their parents believe would best support them.
One in five children with autism has been excluded from school, many more than once.
Nearly two-thirds of adults with autism in England do not have enough support to meet their needs.
At least one in three adults with autism are experiencing severe mental health difficulties due to a lack of support.
Only 15% of adults with autism in the UK are in full-time paid employment.
51% of adults with autism in the UK have spent time with neither a job, nor access to benefits, 10% of those having been in this position for a decade or more.
61% of those out of work say they want to work.
79% of those on Incapacity Benefit say they want to work.
- taken from the NAS website. http://www.autism.org.uk/
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