What is Autism
Autism is a developmental disability which causes significant social, communication, medical, and behavioral challenges. Because autism is a spectrum disorder, the combination of symptoms and their level of severity varies from person to person.
What are the signs & symptoms?
The signs of autism vary widely from person to person. Some common areas where differences may appear include:
Repetitive Behaviors
Repetitive movements or speech, insistence on routines, highly focused interests, and sensitivity to sensory input.
Social Communication
Difficulty with back-and-forth conversation, sharing interests, understanding non-verbal cues, and developing relationships.
PREVALENCE IN THE US
1 in 31
CHILDREN HAVE AUTISM IN THE UNITED STATES
PREVALENCE IN THE US
384%
INCREASE IN AUTISM PREVALENCE MAKING EARLY INTERVENTION AND SUPPORT MORE CRITICAL THAN EVER.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PREVALENCELIFETIME SOCIAL COST
These estimates only reflect what society pays, not the additional expenses families incur out of their own pockets.
Cost from 1990 – 2019
$7 trillion
Expected cost by 2029
$15 trillion
VERBAL COMMUNICATION
Up to 30%
of children with autism are minimally verbal or non-speaking
Learn More About Speech
53%
have sleep issues affecting quality of life for both children and families
Learn More About Sleep Issues
4x
more likely to have GI issues compared to neurotypical peers
Learn More About Gastrointestinal Issues
4x
higher rates of unmet healthcare needs versus the general population
Learn More About Health Disparities
95%
of children with autism have at least one co-occurring condition on average
Learn More About Co-occurring Conditions
49%
engage in elopement or wandering behaviors — a serious safety risk
Learn More About Elopement in Autism
40x
more likely to die from a preventable injury compared to the general population
Learn More About Injury Mortality in AutismHEALTH & LIFESPAN
Life Expectancy
The gap in life expectancy between autistic and non-autistic individuals highlights the urgent need for better healthcare access and support.
Age 72
is the average life expectancy of an individual without autism
Age 36
Average life expectancy of an individual with autism — 36 years shorter
Why the gap?
Preventable injuries, lack of healthcare access, co-occurring conditions, and inadequate support systems all contribute to this alarming disparity.
Learn More About Injury Mortality in Autism
EMPLOYMENT & INDEPENDENCE
14%
of adults with autism have paid jobs in community-based settings
Learn More About EmploymentLIVING SITUATIONS
Where do adults with autism live?
Most autistic adults continue to live with their parents or family caregivers, highlighting the need for more housing options and independent living support.
Learn More about adult housing
49%
live with a parent or relative
27%
live in a group home
10%
live independently
8%
live in an institution
5%
live in an unknown situation
OUR MISSION
We can create a brighter future
Effective therapy and medical intervention improves outcomes and quality of life. TACA is here to help every family navigate the autism journey with the right resources, community, and support.
Good Health
Develop Skills
PROGRAMS & SUPPORT
Our programs are designed to meet these goals
Virtual Support & Education Events
TACA offers monthly virtual parent support and family panel meetings where parents can connect with other autism parents
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Hope & Help for Autism Facebook Group
Hope & Help for Autismfacebook group A great place to find resources, support, help, and hope TACA’s private Facebook Group
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TACA Volunteer Program
Through local volunteers across the country, TACA is creating communities where parents are supported, informed, and empowered — so no family has to walk the autism journey alone.
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Monthly Learning Series
Discover TACA Through Each Month’s Focus At TACA, we believe in providing comprehensive support and education to families touched by autism.
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Resources
TACA provides in-depth, comprehensive information and resources to help parents navigate all aspects of the autism journey
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Conferences
Annually, TACA hosts a parent conference featuring expert speakers from across the United States.
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Scholarships
TACA provides national or regional scholarships as funding is available to assist in financing functional medicine doctors, providing supplements, or covering the cost of a conference.
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Southern California Outreach
TACA’s national headquarters office is located in Irvine, California, and has the capacity to provide extended in-person resources throughout Southern California.
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Communities & Family Events
Across the United States, TACA chapters hold meetings, autism learning seminars, coffee talks, and family events throughout the year.
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