Has the rate of autism risen or dropped in the last year or two?

Question

Could you provide links to the VERY LATEST stats on autism?

Stephanie - PDD-NOS & Asperger's ARE in the Autism spectrum & included in the 1/166 stats, according to the CDC.

Actually, the stated stats are "between 1 in 500 (2/1,000) to 1 in 166 children (6/1,000) have an ASD."

http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/asd_common.htm

Answer 1

The rate of autism is rising because we are recognizing autism more readily now, and, unfortunately, misdiagnosing people who don't fit the definition.

Speaking of definitions, "autism" means much more than it did a while ago; Asperger Syndrome, one of the mildest forms, has only been defined since 1995. Before autism was well-known, children with mild autism, especially PDD-NOS and Asperger's, would likely have been given diagnoses of "learning disability", "ADHD", or "behavior problems" instead.

The rate of autism is also rising because people with autistic characteristics are so very well suited for today's digital age: They make good computer programmers, engineers, and scientists. Then, when they meet in the workplace, they marry and have children--also with autistic characteristics and, often, diagnosable autism.

There is a theory: Eventually, given the fact that engineers and programmers are well-paid and able to raise healthy children, and that the more low-functioning on the autism spectrum do not usually marry, the human race in general will move more towards mild autism, selecting out both today's typical generalist mind and the severe autism/low-IQ combination. The autistic mind is very specialized; and in the modern age, there is increasing pressure towards specialization.

The article in my sources is from Wired magazine and puts forth just this theory.

Answer 2

Unfortunately it has, The question is how do we stop the number from rising? hope the info below might help.


AUTISM OCCURRENCE: One in every 166 children born in the US have autism. It is estimated 1.5 million in the US have this disorder.
a. NOTE: This number does NOT include: PDD, Aspergers and other spectrum disorders. These statistics are endorsed by the CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics, and other federal organizations.

Answer 3

The number continues to rise. I did read an article a while ago that the diagnosis of mental retardation has decreased between 40-60%. I can't find that reference, but I do work with special needs kids. No one ever has the diagnosis of MR anymore. Everyone is on the "spectrum". People have theories about the MMR shot, but I've had about a dozen kids who never had the shot who ended up autistic. It ran in their family. I think it is a combination of genetics and environmental factors. I know current research is focusing on identifying a gene in parents to know if they are a "carrier" of the particular gene that causes autism. It's a scary statistic. An epidemic. These kids are wonderful and need more funding to help them lead productive and happy lives. Funding is also needed for family support and respite. Spread the word.

Answer 4

I hope the info expalins that these are reported & diagnosed cases, and that the autism spectrum is rather diverse now having subcategories.
Take into account the "new" diagnoses like PDD which are still being refined and need reeducation of professionals. Different diagnoses being "popular" a times and multiple diagnoses also throw these number off a bit.

Answer 5

There are so many variations on the Autism Spectrum Disorder that the same thing that happened with ADD/ADHD 10 years ago. Everyone picked apart every aspect of a child and needing to put a name on it they received a diagnosis accurate or not. I think the same is happening with ASD that it is rising, but it is diagnosed many times without needing to be.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

This web- site is the latest I could find. This web site shows that the number of children with autism is much grader then before. Check it out. Maybe this will help you!

http://www.tacanow.com/latest_autism_statistics.htm

Answer 8

Yes.
See here:
http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer