• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia
TechDigital Health

Autism Awareness Is in Short Supply, Research Says

Barb Darrow
By
Barb Darrow
Barb Darrow
Down Arrow Button Icon
Barb Darrow
By
Barb Darrow
Barb Darrow
Down Arrow Button Icon
April 21, 2017, 4:25 PM ET

You might not guess that April is National Autism Awareness Month given the results of new research that shows a solid majority of Americans think they know no one who is affected by autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Autism is a developmental disability that usually manifests itself in early childhood—and it affects lots of people: One of 68 children in U.S.—and one out of 42 boys—have autism in some form, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

And yet 75% of the 1,113 American adults surveyed early this month said they don’t know anyone with autism.

Then there was this sign that the awareness month PR campaign is not helping: Nearly half (46%) of those responding said they were not aware that April is, in fact, Autism Awareness month. That number included respondents who are close to someone with autism, according to the survey which was sponsored by Leka, a company that offers an interactive robotic toy for children with autism.

Some other findings: Just 62% of those surveyed felt people with autism are productive members of society; more than half (53%) said it’s acceptable for people with autism to marry; and less than half (48%) think people with autism can work well in an office setting.

A full two-thirds of those surveyed said health insurance providers should be required to cover autism-related treatment and therapy expenses but less than one-third (28%) felt that today’s treatment and therapy options are covered. Given that the average cost of care over an autistic person’s lifetime was estimated to be $2 million three years ago, this is quite a gap.

Get Data Sheet, Fortune’s technology newsletter.

Autism Spectrum Disorder, as the name implies, covers a wide range of characteristics. Some people on the spectrum are extremely high functioning, and others can be non-verbal and unable to interact well with others. Some need constant care.

This research comes at a time when several tech companies—including professional services firm EY (formerly Ernst & Young), Microsoft, and SAP (SAP)—have launched hiring programs for those with autism. Last month, for example, Microsoft (MSFT) hosted an Autism@work virtual job fair.

On June 12, MIT’s McGovern Institute for Brain Research will officially unveil its new Center for Autism Research, launched with $20 million in initial funding from Broadcom (BRCM) chief executive officer Hock Tan and former investment banker Lisa Yang.

About the Author
Barb Darrow
By Barb Darrow
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon

Latest in Tech

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • Future 50
  • World’s Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
Sections
  • Finance
  • Leadership
  • Success
  • Tech
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • Environment
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Health
  • Retail
  • Lifestyle
  • Politics
  • Newsletters
  • Magazine
  • Features
  • Commentary
  • Mpw
  • CEO Initiative
  • Conferences
  • Personal Finance
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
About Us
  • About Us
  • Editorial Calendar
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Diversity And Inclusion
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

Latest in Tech

Businessman, screen and presentation in meeting for ai, machine learning or training in workshop office.
C-SuiteNext to Lead
Jamie Dimon says government should have power to intervene in AI-driven mass layoffs
By Ruth UmohJanuary 21, 2026
5 hours ago
EnvironmentSoutheast Asia 500
Thailand’s oldest cement firm turns to 3D printing to revolutionize its business
By Angelica AngJanuary 21, 2026
6 hours ago
CryptoCryptocurrency
Coinbase launches expert board to assess quantum computing threat to crypto
By Jeff John RobertsJanuary 21, 2026
7 hours ago
Businessman, screen and presentation in meeting for ai, machine learning or training in workshop office.
C-SuiteNext to Lead
The rise of on-demand leadership in the AI economy
By Ruth UmohJanuary 21, 2026
8 hours ago
C-SuiteFortune 500
The Walmart C-suite reshuffle shows how the retailer sees itself now: As a tech company
By Phil WahbaJanuary 21, 2026
8 hours ago
NewslettersCIO Intelligence
WPP’s CTO says AI is reshaping advertising. But creative judgment needs to remain in human hands
By John KellJanuary 21, 2026
10 hours ago

Most Popular

placeholder alt text
AI
Elon Musk says that in 10 to 20 years, work will be optional and money will be irrelevant thanks to AI and robotics
By Sasha RogelbergJanuary 19, 2026
3 days ago
placeholder alt text
Personal Finance
Current price of silver as of Tuesday, January 20, 2026
By Joseph HostetlerJanuary 20, 2026
2 days ago
placeholder alt text
Politics
Jamie Dimon tells Davos: ‘You didn’t do a particularly good job making the world a better place’
By Eleanor PringleJanuary 21, 2026
13 hours ago
placeholder alt text
Economy
Jamie Dimon says he’d have no issue paying higher taxes if it actually went to people who need it. Right now it just goes to the Washington ‘swamp’
By Eleanor PringleJanuary 21, 2026
12 hours ago
placeholder alt text
Economy
Scott Bessent insists he’s ‘not concerned at all’ about investors selling America—despite the fact it’s unraveled tariffs before
By Eleanor PringleJanuary 21, 2026
17 hours ago
placeholder alt text
Economy
Trump added $2.25 trillion to the national debt in his first year back in charge, watchdog says
By Nick LichtenbergJanuary 20, 2026
1 day ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.