1990 1 in 2,000
2000 1 in 500
2004 1 in 166
2007 1 in 150
2010 1 in 110
2012 1 in 88 (1 in 54 boys)

• Using the autism prevalence of 1 in 110 children,among the estimated 4 million births in the U.S. each year, approximately 36,500 children will eventually develop an autism spectrum disorder.
• Since there are 525,600 minutes per year (365 x 24 x60), that means that a child is diagnosed less than every 15 minutes (14.45 minutes to be exact).


The L.U.C.A.S. Network (Loving Unconditionally Children with Autism Support Network) was created in 2007 by Derrick and Sandrine Howle in honor of our son, Lucas, who has autism. We developed this network after the successful passage of Ryan’s Law in June of 2007. We feel compelled to share our story and experiences of Lucas’ battle with autism with other families and having other families share their stories as well in hope of making a difference in the lives of families struggling with this disorder and of making the journey down the path of autism a little easier.

Our Contact information via e-mail is luluhowle@charter.net. Please feel free to ask any questions concerning advocacy, treatment, research or concerning autism in SC. We will make sure we find the answer to your question! Remember that you are not alone and there are others who know what you are going through!

Please also feel free to share autism events from your local area in SC.


Derrick is proud to also be the Family Services Liaison for Autism Speak in SC.
***Awards that the LUCAS Network has received:

The Family Connection of SC recognition of The LUCAS Network and the SC Angels of Autism during their Annual Gala in March 2008.

2008 Robert D. Spencer award from Advocacy and Protection of SC

The ParentsCorner can be found in the links below