Autism Cases on the Rise
The prevalence
Autism Cases on the Rise A new study, published in October 2009 by the journal Pediatrics, reports an increase in the number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study estimates cases of ASD at 1 out of every 91 kids between the ages of 3 and 17. This averages out to about one percent, or 673,000 children total.
Other recent research has also indicated growth at an alarming rate. A study conducted in 2007 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that about 1 in 150 children have ASD; today, they estimate that number has jumped to 1 in 100 8-year-olds in the U.S. as having this disorder. The CDC has also found a higher prevalence in boys, ranging from more than three to more than six boys for every girl with ASD.
These numbers are alarming, considering that in the 1970s and 1980s, the number of children diagnosed with ASD was about one in 2,000. But what is really behind these statistics?
Explaining the increaseAccording to the Pediatrics study, the rise could be attributed to a broader definition of ASD and an increased awareness of the disorder, leading to earlier and more frequent diagnoses. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says the age of diagnoses is decreasing, which leads to a higher total. It also points out that some children now diagnosed with ASD may previously have been misdiagnosed with a different disorder, such as mental retardation, and those with mild symptoms may not have been diagnosed under older standards. All of these factors could cause a rise in reported ASD cases, without the prevalence of the disorder actually increasing.
However, the AAP does not rule out the possibility that there has been a true increase in ASD cases. It is currently preparing studies to be conducted over time that examine ASD rates in the same population group and use the same classification methods.
Heightened awareness among doctors and parents has made ASD easier to diagnose. The AAP advocates early screening, between the ages of 18 and 24 months, in order to implement effective intervention and treatments. They believe catching ASD and beginning treatment as early as possible are key factors in helping children with this disorder meet their potential.
Causes of autism spectrum disordersAccording to a report published in The New England Journal of Medicine, at least 60 disorders have been associated with autism, including genetic, metabolic, and neurologic diseases. The AAP breaks down the causes of ASD into three main categories: genetics, environment, and neurobiology.
Some studies are also concentrating on the link between exposure to vaccines and the prevalence of ASD. The National Children's Study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, will soon begin to examine these exposures in children in an effort to improve the health and well-being of children. At this time, expert reviews of scientific literature have not found any causal link between vaccines and ASD.
The best way to diagnose and treat an ASD is to have your child tested at a young age. If you think your child may have ASD, or would like to have him screened, talk to your child's pediatrician to figure out a plan that works best for you and your family.
-
Number bonding? Skip counting? Does your childs Common Core math homework make your head spin? Youre not alone.Plenty of parents who grew up learning how to add and subtract with older teaching methods now look at their childrens Common Core homework
-
Planning Your Homeschool YearAfter you have determined the number of days in your school year, you will need to decide how you want to achieve that number of days by planning your school year. You know that the year has 365 days available for school.
-
Visit College Campuses During the SummerBrought to you by the American School Counselor Association If you and your parents have time over the vacation, then summer campus visits, while not quite the same as visiting during the academic year, are st
