The CDC recently released numbers showing a continuing trend of increase in autism cases. Most recent numbers show 1 in 68 children are affected, with the rate of autism affecting boys at a rate of 1 in 42. Since 2011, 44 children with autism have died after wandering from a safe environment.
Current policy and decison makers in health care and autism research are failing our children. We need the profile of this issue to be raised to the level of national importance as this trend will negatively affect our country's position as a world leader. As a nation, we are not prepared for the devastating cost of a generation of children whose care will be a burden on public assistance, and who will be underemployed, unable to serve in the armed forces, and dependent on their families for life.