In writing about the new food options at Nationals Park a few weeks ago, I mentioned that a portion of all money from the sale of Noah's Pretzels goes toward autism research in the D.C. area. I didn't think much of it at the time because I didn't know anyone who has personally been affected by the condition.
But now I received word that the son of a good friend of mine has autism.
Maury Brown, founder of the Business of Sports Network, who I rely on frequently for comment and insight, writes that his 3-year-old boy is one of the increasing number of children to be diagnosed with the condition.
"As my wife and family come to grips to this news, we now find ourselves in a life altering experience," he writes. "The good news is that with early detection, one-on-one and what is called 'mainstream' therapy, we can hope that our son will eventually be a productive part of society. What was alarming to me was the incredible trend of more and more being diagnosed within the ASD spectrum. There was a point where the word 'autism' would elicit confused stares. Now, nearly everyone in America has a family member or friend touched by ASD."
Maury has challenged people to spread the word about autism, and so I will gladly pass on this information, which was provided to Maury from the Autism Society of America.
*Autism affect 1 out of 150 children in U.S.
* It affect 1 out of 90 boys
* It affects four times as many boys as girls
* Lifetime cost of caring for a child with autism: $3.5 to $5 million
* Current annual cost to U.S.: $35 billion
* Estimated annual cost by 2010: $90 billion
* 1.5 million Americans affected
Comments (4)
I'd like to thank you for running the information on autism in your blog. I have known Maury Brown since high school and his wife and I are very dear friends. Like you, I didn't know anyone affected by autism prior to Travis' diagnosis and am glad to be more informed now. I know that in this case, Maury and Glenna are supportive, wonderful, loving parents. With autism occurring at such a high rate, I am sure there must be a segment of families who do not face and accept the news in the unconditionally loving, brave way that the Browns' have. I want to say to everyone, educate yourselves, help the families, and lend support to this cause in any way you can.
Thank you for the space for comments.
Sincerely,
Lisa Daily Crippen
Posted by Lisa Daily Crippen | April 14, 2008 5:50 PM
I'm sorry to hear about Travis. Any man fathering a child past his 34rd birthday is at increasing risk to have an autistic child. I wish this information, which has been known for 50 years would be given to the public.
Posted by Les | April 15, 2008 12:07 AM
Maury is my brother in law and this news is the kind you never thought you would hear, but he and my sister our in my prayers.
Posted by Stace Phillips | April 15, 2008 11:17 AM
Glenna and I have been friends since High School. When I heard the news about Travis, my first instinct was to send my deepest apologies to Glenna and her family. After praying and listening to gods answer to me, I don't think that having a child with ASD is something that needs to be apologetic about. What a blessing it is to have a child that see's the world differently than we do. The big challenge is for Glenna and Maury, the extra time and money for Travis..for that I pray for them to have the abundance provided to them for his care; the patients to grow with Travis and the open mind to learn from him. Because Travis has a lot to teach, to everyone he touches. I know that Glenna is full of love and her spiritual guide will give her the strength that she and her family will need.
My prayers and love are with entire family.
Sincerely,
Kelly (Darnell) Bradley
Posted by Kelly Bradley | April 20, 2008 11:17 PM