All proceeds from the 2008 Jimmy Watts ZC Sterling Charity Golf Tournament will go to benefit the Autism Society of America - Greater Georgia Chapter (ASA-GGC) in its mission to provide education, advocacy, services, information and support to the Georgia Autism Community. For more information on this organization, visit www.asaga.com.

Autism Background
Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. The result of a neurological disorder that affects the brain, autism interferes with the normal development of the brain in the areas of reasoning, social interaction, and communication skills.

Children and adults with autism typically have deficiencies in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions and leisure or play activities. The disorder makes it hard for them to communicate with others and relate to the outside world. They may exhibit repeated body movements (hand flapping, rocking, etc.), have unusual responses to people or attachments to objects and resist changes in routines. In some cases, aggressive and/or self-injurious behavior may occur. Individuals may also experience sensitivity to the five senses: sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste.

• 1 in 150 births
• 1 to 1.5 million Americans
• Fastest-growing developmental disability
• 10 - 17 % annual growth
• Growth comparison during the 1990’s
  • U.S. population increase: 13%
  • Disabilities increase: 16%
  • Autism increase: 172%
• $90 billion annual cost
• 90% of costs are in adult services
• Cost of lifelong care can be reduced by two-thirds with earlydiagnosis and intervention
• In 10 years, the annual cost will be $200-400 billion

2003, 2006 Copyright Autism Society of America