Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of disorders of brain development. People with ASD diagnoses struggle with social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors, but the severity of these difficulties varies. The month of April is dedicated to raising awareness to autism spectrum disorders, and in honor of that, here are eight facts that you should know about ASD:

1. The cause of ASD is not fully understood.

There have been both genetic and environmental links. Despite the large amount of research still desperately needed, some potential causes have been ruled out. For example, there is no connection between child vaccinations and ASD

2. Pre-symptom markers of autism can be detected at as early as six months of age, and a reliable diagnosis can be given at age two.

However, most children do not receive a diagnosis until the age of four, which delays intervention.

3. Early intervention is absolutely essential for optimization of cognitive potential.

Research has consistently shown that therapy for autism can have a profound impact on an individual's behavior and cognitive functioning. Furthermore, recent studies show that effective early intervention therapies can change brain activity to, in some ways, essentially match the patterns of that of a typically developing child.

4. Currently, autism spectrum disorders are extremely costly.

U.S. citizens spend $236 to 262 billion a year on autism services. Even more staggeringly, a family affected by an ASD diagnosis will spend an additional $60,000 a year, on average.

5. The financial burden of ASD services and care can be significantly decreased with early diagnosis and intervention.

In fact, with proper, persistent treatment that begins early on in development, the cost of care can be reduced by approximately two-thirds. Early intervention entails treatment well before the child is of school age. Current studies are demonstrating extreme effectiveness in programs designed for children younger than 2.5 years old.

6. One child out of every 68 is diagnosed with ASD in the United States.

The likelihood of a male being diagnosed is far higher than that of a female, and the likelihood of a child getting diagnosed in general has risen significantly and is continuing to rise at a shocking rate.

7. Children with ASD diagnoses are three times more likely to face bullying in schools...

...when compared to their siblings who do not have an autism spectrum disorder.

8. Autism is a spectrum.

This means that two children with an autism diagnosis can fall on two completely opposing ends of the spectrum. They can have a different collection of symptoms, and those symptoms will manifest themselves in different ways for each and every child on the spectrum. The diagnosis encompasses many unique and intelligent children who have an unlimited array of assets.

As the prevalence of ASD rises, it is imperative that our research is funded, our children our being educated properly, and our families are being supported. The autistic community has grown so large that it can no longer be ignored, but the social, political, and economic issues that underlie an ASD diagnosis are still lacking full recognition. Autism Awareness Month sheds light on the trials and triumphs faced by the autistic community, encouraging members of society to remain both knowledgeable and accepting of those affected by ASD.

Explore Odyssey's featured Autism Awareness content here.