It is a parent’s worst nightmare to find out that your perfect-in-your-eyes child has autism. A survey of parents all across the United States found that 1 in every 40 children have an Autism Spectrum Disorder. The information was collected from parents of more than 50,000 children that have ever received a diagnosis or are currently living with autism. However, the new numbers have lowered from the 2017 National Health Interview Survey. The parents in the survey have stated that it was harder to get the health care their child needs, versus a child with Down Syndrome. Thomas Frazier, chief science officer of the advocacy organization Autism Speaks, said “This confirms what we know from our parents — that many children face unacceptable delays in getting a diagnostic evaluation, even after parents, teachers or other caregivers have recognized the signs of autism.” Autism spectrum disorder, a lifelong developmental disability, is characterized by problems with communication and social interaction with accompanying repetitive behavior patterns.