According to Autism Speaks, one of the largest autism advocacy organizations in the nation…

Autism affects 1 in 88 children and 1 in 54 boys

Autism prevalence figures are growing

Autism is the fastest growing serious developmental disability in the United States

Boys are nearly five times more likely than girls to have autism

There is no medical detection or cure for autism

The following are “red flags” that may indicate a child is at risk for an autism spectrum disorder. If a child you know exhibits any of the following, don’t delay in asking a physician for an evaluation.

No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months or thereafter

No back and forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions by nine months

No babbling by 12 months

No words by 16 months

No meaningful, two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating) by 24 months

Any loss of speech, babbling or social skills at any age