The Autism Society of America Western New York Chapter includes professionals and parents of children with Autism, PDD, and Asperger Syndrome. The Chapter holds informational meetings and workshops and publishes a newsletter. To be added to the mailing list, send a check for $5.00 to ASAWNY Chapter here.

What is autism?
Autism is a brain disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate, to reason, and to interact with others. It is a spectrum disorder that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees of severity, and it is often found in combination with other disabilities.

The terms “autism” and “autism spectrum disorder” are often used interchangeably and refer to three of five disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). The three “autism spectrum disorders” are: Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder, and PDD-NOS (Not Otherwise Specified). The other PDDs, which are less common, are Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and Rett’s Disorder.

How common is autism?
One out of every 166 children born today will develop some form of autism. An estimated 1.5 million Americans (children and adults) have autism today. For information about the signs and red flags of Autism, read the What is Autism? brochure from the Autism Society of America.