CCF Raises $5,000 for Autism Speaks

In support of April’s Autism Awareness Month, Carrington Charitable Foundation raised $5,000 for Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. Carrington Associates donated a minimum of $5 and received an autism bracelet, lanyard or key chain as a thank you to show their support for the cause. Carrington Associates also sported their awareness on World Autism Day on April 2nd, wearing blue clothing to show their awareness for this developmental disorder that affects over 2 million individuals in the United States.

AUTISM FAQS

What Is Autism? What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors.

What Causes Autism?
There is no one cause of autism just as there is no one type of autism. Over the last five years, scientists have identified a number of rare gene changes, or mutations, associated with autism. A small number of these are sufficient to cause autism. Most cases of autism, however, appear to be caused by a combination of autism risk genes and environmental factors influencing early brain development.

How Common is Autism?
Autism statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identify around 1 in 88 American children as on the autism spectrum–a ten-fold increase in prevalence in 40 years. Careful research shows that this increase is only partly explained by improved diagnosis and awareness. Studies also show that autism is four to five times more common among boys than girls. An estimated 1 out of 54 boys and 1 in 252 girls are diagnosed with autism in the United States.

Read more about how you can help at Autism Speaks. (All FAQs are from Autism Speaks.)