Autism Prevalence In The U.S. Rises To 1 In 150

The Autism Society of
America (ASA) welcomed the new CDC studies on the prevalent numbers of
autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the United States as tremendously
significant data that will help the cause of improving the lives of all
those affected by autism. In data collected from its Autism and
Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network (ADDM), a population-based,
multi-state surveillance network that surveyed 8-year-olds in 2000 and
2002, the CDC found that the data confirm that ASD prevalence affects
approximately an average of 1 child in every 150. The data represents 10
percent of the U.S. population of 8-year- old children.


ASA believes the CDC numbers are tremendously significant. "Finally, we
can end the debate on the prevalence of autism in our nation and focus on
getting the services and supports the families need," said Lee Grossman,
ASA president and CEO. "Autism is a treatable lifelong condition that
affects tens of millions of Americans today. It is time to aggressively
address this national health crisis." The CDC is recommending public health
actions to improve early identification of ASD.



The CDC study includes children with behaviors consistent with autism,
Asperger's and pervasive developmental delays -- not otherwise specified
(PDD- NOS). The data came from 14 sites in five states (Arizona, Georgia,
Maryland, New Jersey, South Carolina and West Virginia). The study also
found higher prevalence in boys than girls (a range of 2.8 -- 6 boys to
girls, depending on the state) and no statistically significant difference
among non-Hispanic whites and non-Hispanic black children.



Colleen Boyle of the CDC noted that the study showed the age of
diagnosis (at between 4-5 years of age) was much later than the age at
which developmental concern was registered (before 24 months), underscoring
the need for earlier identification of autism.



To read the study in full, please visit cdc/autism. For
information on support, services and identification, please visit
autism-society.



ASA is the oldest and largest member organization dedicated to autism
in the world. ASA's mission is to improve the lives of all affected by
autism- individuals with autism, their families and the professionals with
whom they interact. For more information on autism or ASA, visit
autism.


Autism Society of America

cdc/autism