"The education of all children...must always be a national priority. One of the most important goals of my Administration is ...a system of public education where no child is left behind. Unfortunately, among those at greatest risk of being left behind are children with disabilities."

— President George W. Bush, Executive Order 13227

Autism and ABA Awareness

By raising awareness of autism and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), the communities of north Texas will be educated and empowered to help children get the early diagnosis and intervention needed to reach their highest potential.

Autism Awareness

In the United States over one half million individuals live with autism, making it more prevalent than Down Syndrome, childhood diabetes, and childhood cancer combined.¹
Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than girls and knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries.²

The Rise in Autism

The incidence of autism is increasing at an alarming rate:¹

10 years ago, it was estimated that autism affected one out of 10,000 children
Today it is estimated that autism affects one out of 300 children nationwide and in some areas of the country the rate is as much as one out of 150 children.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Intervention

"Early diagnosis resulting in early, appropriate and consistent intervention has been shown to be associated with improved long-term outcomes." ³

However many children with autism do not receive a formal diagnosis before they are three or four years old. As a result these children miss out on interventions that could have begun at an earlier age.

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