Autism on The Rise

Yesterday, the CDC released a study showing a 78% increase in the diagnosing of Autism, Asperger syndrome, or related disorder in American children since the year 2000. The CDC notes that one explanation of this increase is the better screening and diagnosis methods.  The report estimates that in 2008, one child in 88 received a diagnosis of Autism, Asperger syndrome, or related disorder. This is compared to recent years, which showed about one in 110 children in 2006, and one in 155 in 2002.

This increase shows that there has been a steady increase in diagnosis. A rate that was nearly twice as common as officials estimated it would be just five years ago.

The diagnosis process is made by specialized doctors making judgements about a child's behavior. At no point are blood or biologic tests involved. Diagnosis is given to those who show symptoms of severe language and social impairments, as well as unusual repetitious behavior(s). Genetics is believed to play a role, and CDC researchers are looking to learn about other possible factors such as illnesses that the mother had while pregnant and with medications pregnant women had used.

The CDC used estimated rates from 14 U.S. States to compile their data. States included, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, and Wisconsin. Within these states, Alabama demonstrated the fewest number of diagnosis, with one in 210 children, some of this being attributed to low available amounts of information. The highest states were Utah with one in 47 and New Jersey also showed a high rate of 1 in 49. Dr. Eric Fombonne, a psychiatrist at McGill University and Montreal Children's Hospital said in the NY Times that "it means that ascertainment is unequal across states."

The diagnosis is far more prominent in young boys before the age of 8. Boy were almost five times as likely to be diagnosed as girls. Boys are at a rate of one in 54 and girls are one in 252 for girls.

As many from the CDC have pointed out, Autism incidents are increasing. Whatever the causes, this disorder is posing further challenges for health care and our future. A careful eye on Autism is a wise position to take.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/30/health/rate-of-autism-diagnoses-has-climbed-study-finds.html?_r=1

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/autism-rates-screening-better-diagnosis-164651100.html