The boys are affected by autism four times more often than girls. On average, 3-4 of 10,000 children are diagnosed with autism. An estimated 67 million individuals worldwide are affected by autism. The data were presented by the Ministry of Health on the occasion of the World Autism Awareness Day that is marked on April 2, Info-Prim Neo reports. According to a communiqué from the Ministry of Health, the severity of symptoms varies greatly between individuals, but all people with autism have some core symptoms, including significant problems in developing nonverbal communication skills, failure to establish friendships with children the same age, lack of interest in sharing enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people, delay in, or lack of, learning to talk. Symptoms of autism are usually noticed first by parents and other caregivers sometime during the child's first 3 years. Although autism is present at birth (congenital), signs of the disorder can be difficult to identify or diagnose during infancy. Parents often become concerned when their toddler does not like to be held; does not seem interested in playing certain games, and does not begin to talk. They also may be confused about their child's hearing abilities. With early and intensive treatment, most children improve their ability to relate to others, communicate, and help themselves as they grow older. The United Nations designated the World Autism Awareness Day by a resolution adopted on December 18, 2007. This day shines a bright light on autism as a growing global health crisis. WAAD activities help to increase and develop world knowledge of the autism epidemic and impart information regarding the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention.