Autism prevalence rising in US

Rising pass previous estimates, Autism disorders now affect one in 150 children in the U.S., a new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) disclosed on Thursday.

The new numbers are based on the largest and the most comprehensive study encompassing 22 states of the United States and surpass previous estimates that placed the prevalence at 1 in 166.

“Previous estimates were based on a variety of studies, most of them smaller than these latest ones, involving different study methods from several countries,” Catherine Rice of the CDC's birth-defects division and study head specified.

The results estimated 560,000 children suffering from the disorder in the United States.

Furthermore, results showed wide variation among the states, Rice pointed. While West Virginia reported 4.5 per 1,000 children having an autism-related disorder, 9.9 per 1,000 was reported in New Jersey.

The first of the two surveys took up 8 year old children from 8 states, while the second survey was based on examination of 8 year old children from 14 states in the US.

Average of 22 states revealed about one in 150 children born in 1992 and 1994, or 6.7 per 1000 have autism.

A developmental disability that results from a disorder of the human central nervous system, Autism impairs a person's ability to communicate and relate to others. It is also associated with rigid routines and repetitive behaviors.

Children with autistic disorder are often described as attractive and, on first glance; do not show any physical signs indicating autistic disorder. These children do have high rates of minor physical anomalies, such as ear malformation. Autistic children also have higher incidence of abnormal dermatoglyphics (e.g. finger print)

Affecting five times more boys than girls, autistic children are marked by delays in their social interaction, language development and symbolic or imaginative play, hence usually not diagnosed in children until after age 3.

Its diagnosis typically comes from a complete physical and neurological evaluation, as outward appearance may not indicate the disorder.

With causes, symptoms, etiology and treatment for the neuro-developmental disorder still controversial, researchers are hopeful that mounting numbers will build awareness among health agencies and parents.

Also, the new findings will prompt additional research and services to deal with autism.