Autism Affects 1.5 Million Americans
On Thursday, October 16, Dr. Michael Davis, Florida Hospital Flagler’s newest pediatrician, will present a lecture on Autism, a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. It is a neurological disorder that affects the social interaction and communication functions of the brain.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Autism affects an estimated 1 in 150 births.
“This means as many as 1.5 million Americans today are believed to have some form of autism,” said Dr. Davis. “And this number is on the rise. Based on statistics from the U.S. Department of Education, autism is growing at a startling rate of 10-17 percent per year. At this rate, the prevalence of autism could reach 4 million Americans in the next decade.”
Autism knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries; family income levels; lifestyle choices; or educational levels, and can affect any family and any child. And although the overall incidence of autism is consistent around the globe, it is four times more prevalent in boys than in girls.
Here are some signs to look for in the children in your life:
- Lack of or delay in spoken language
- Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects)
- Little or no eye contact
- Lack of interest in peer relationships
- Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play
- Persistent fixation on parts of objects
Before joining Florida Hospital Flagler, Dr. Davis served in the United States Army as the chief of pediatrics at the Reynolds Army Community Hospital in Fort Sill, Okla.
“I am now proud to call Palm Coast home,” Dr. Davis said. “I enjoy providing comprehensive and quality medical care to the children of Flagler County.”
Join Dr. Michael Davis and Florida Hospital Flagler for an informational lecture on Thursday, October 16 about Autism and what you can do if your child is diagnosed. Registration begins at 5:30PM.
To learn more or to RSVP, please call 866/399-3859 or click here.