Autism is a complex disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. The result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, autism and it's associated behaviors have been estimated to occur in 1 in 150 individuals and is more common than Down's Syndrome. Four times more prevalent in boys that girls, autism knows no racial, ethnic or social boundries. Over half a million individuals in the U.S. have some form of autism; which is currently the third most common developmental disability. The spectrum includes diagnosis of Pervasive Development Disorder, Asperger's Syndrome, and PDD-NOS.

     Autism can be a severely handicapping disorder and is as individual as fingerprints. No two people exhibit the same degree of difficulties. The ability to communicate is often limited and deficiencies in social interaction and reasoning skills are also often present. Incorrectly thought to be mental illness, there are many facets to this often puzzling disorder. Please assist the MCC/ASA and it's members in achieving our goal to increase awareness of autism within the community and to improve the quality of life for those affected by autism and their families.