The Match Point Gala is an annual fundraising and awareness campaign hosted by Love Serving Autism. Each year, the staff and Board of Directors nominate “Legacy” candidates, philanthropic leaders in the community, who truly represent the LSA mission with a passion and dedication to help build community, raise awareness and needed funds for Love Serving Autism. 

Autism Prevalence

• In 2021, the CDC reported that approximately 1 in 44 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to 2018 data.
  • 1 in 27 boys identified with autism
  • 1 in 116 girls identified with autism
• Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls.
• Most children were still being diagnosed after age 4, though autism can be reliably diagnosed as early as age 2.
• 31% of children with ASD have an intellectual disability (intelligence quotient [IQ] <70), 25% are in the borderline range (IQ 71–85), and 44% have IQ scores in the average to above-average range (i.e., IQ >85).
• Autism affects all ethnic and socioeconomic groups.
• Minority groups tend to be diagnosed later and less often.
• Early intervention affords the best opportunity to support healthy development and deliver benefits across the lifespan.
• There is no medical detection for autism.