On March 30, 2008, the CDC reported in their Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report that the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in children was estimated at 1 in 88. With World Autism Awareness Day coming on April 2, it is important that the population of the United States gain a better understanding of ASDs, high-functioning autism (HFA) in particular.
While the media has given a great deal of attention to autism in the past, many of these stories have focused on those with either low-functioning or borderline high-functioning autism. This lack of coverage, among other factors, has led to a general lack of understanding of the high-functioning autistic community, making members of this community unwilling to make themselves known as such to peers and friends.