Autism Awareness Month - Know Autism

Know Autism is a non-profit organization formed to increase autism awareness, particularly in communities with language barriers, and to help children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families by working with schools and other organizations to provide education and resources.

Autism - Why It Matters

Did you know that about 1 percent of the world population has autism spectrum disorder? One in 68 American children are affected by autism. Over 3 million people are living with autism in the U.S. alone and over 30 million worldwide.

Autism services cost U.S. citizens $236-$262 billion annually. A majority of costs are in adult services ranging from $175 - $196 billion. Autism is an invisible disability - it is not immediately apparent to others. It is often misunderstood and is a neurologically based disorder. Learning the signs and understanding how autism manifests itself increases acceptance and tolerance for those who are different.

KNOWAutism Foundation strives to create a create a community for families affected by ASD.

They offer an array our services for our families including:

1. Information on area private schools, therapists and programs designed to help our kids

2. Autism friendly doctors and dentists Library for parents to check out books on autism and co-existing conditions

2. Financial assistance programs:

o Diagnostic Assistance - subsidizes the cost of diagnostic testing

o Tuition Assistance Program - offers grants for special needs schools or programs

Looking for a speaker for your next meeting? Contact Executive Director - Judy Blake at judyblake@know-autism.org

KNOWAutism Foundation

6430 Richmond Avenue - Suite 410

Houston, TX 77057

832-834-6437

www.know-autism.org