It has been said that if you don't know someone with autism, that you most likely will.  This is due to the rising rate of incidence.  Autism or ASD (Autism Specturm Disorder) is at an all time high. About 10 years ago, it affected as many as 1 per 166 (per Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, 2001).  In a 2007 report from the CDC it affected 1 per 150 children born and is 4 times  more pravalent in boys than girls.  And, now, a national report released recently in the journal Pediatrics reveals that 1 percent of U.S. children ages 3-17 have an autism spectrum disorder, an estimated prevalence of one in every 91 children, as stated on the Aurtism Society website.   It is considered the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States, with a child being diagnosed every 21 minutes.  So, if you don't know someone with autism now, you will soon - your neighbor, your child's classmate, someone on the playground or even someone in your family!  Therefore, it is necessary to help promote awareness and understanding while advocating a message of hope that is educating and empowering families.

Since the disorder is so misunderstood, it  continues to a mystery.  The international symbol for autism is a puzzle piece because the disorder is so puzzling.  In order to solve the autism puzzle, public awareness and support of the disorder is crucial.