Pennsylvania is expected to see a continued rise in the number of children and adults living with autism, according to the Pennsylvania Autism Census Project Final Report released today by Governor Edward G. Rendell.
"With the release of this report, Pennsylvania becomes the first state in the nation to have data helping us to prepare to meet the needs of the rapidly growing population of children and adults with autism," Governor Rendell said. "This report marks another important accomplishment in our efforts to understand the needs of Pennsylvanians with autism.
"Prior to this study, we had no accurate means to determine how many families were potentially in need of services and support," said Governor Rendell. "As we worked to determine who these families were and where they lived, our sense that Pennsylvania faces a very real crisis was confirmed."
In 2005, an estimated 20,000 Pennsylvanians were living with autism. The report predicts the number will grow to at least 25,000 by 2010. While the number of children diagnosed continues to rise, the report details an expected dramatic increase in the number of adults with autism. According to the report: