Alarming Epidemic

Alarming Epidemic

We are experiencing an alarming rise in diagnosed cases of children with learning disabilities and challenges.   Findings by the U.S. CDC (Centers for Disease Control) report the following statistics.

• The number of children affected by Autism and ADHD is the fastest-growing developmental disability. Autism is an urgent and growing public health crisis that affects most individuals across their lifespan.
• 1 in 110 children born today will be diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASDs). This is a prevalence of about 1 percent of children, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined.
• The prevalence rate of autism is increasing 10-17 percent annually.
• 4.5 million children, ages 3 to 17, have ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), which makes it one of the most common mental disorders in children.
• About 13 of every 10,000 babies born in the United States each year is born with Down syndrome. The number of babies with Down syndrome seems to be increasing, especially among mothers older than 35 years of age.

For children suffering from learning disabilities and challenges, sensory stimuli such as noise, lighting, smells and other environmental factors are major causes for distraction and discomfort.  They have difficulty focusing and relaxing in school due to stress and anxiety caused by these stimuli in the classroom, study hall, lunchroom, gymnasium or auditorium.  They often miss out on family activities and community events because they cannot cope with outside distractions caused by these stimuli.