by Lauren Rogoff

A new study estimates that 1 in 88 children in the United States has been identified as having an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).  The study also found that ASDs are almost five times more common in boys than girls, and that 1 in 54 boys has an ASD.  The largest increase in percentage of ASDs from previous reporting was in Hispanic and African American children.  These figures show that autism is much more common than previously estimated, and that autism is only continuing to skyrocket.

The study found a 23 percent increase in ASDs since the previous report, an alarming statistic.  Some of this increase can be attributed to the way autism and its symptoms are identified, and how and when children are being diagnosed.  The exact percentage that is due to this increased awareness is not known, but the increase is likely a combination of these factors.

“One thing the data tells us with certainty – there are more children and families that need help,” said the director of the CDC, Thomas Frieden, “We must continue to track autism spectrum disorders because this is the information communities need to guide improvements in services to help children.”

There was also an increase in children being diagnosed by age 3.  This means, unfortunately, that 40 percent of children are still not being diagnosed until after age 4, which is something that can hopefully be remedied in the future.

Autism is a critical public health concern that may impact the lives of your nieces and nephews, Aunties, so it is important to be well-educated about this health issue.  Autism is a complex developmental disability.  Symptoms typically begin to appear during the first three years of a child’s life and affect the ability to communicate and interact with other people. Autism is a "spectrum disorder," which means that it is defined by a set of behaviors which affect individuals differently and to varying degrees.  For more information about symptoms and diagnosis, visit the Autism Society.

If you have any concerns about the development of your niece or nephew, Auntie, it’s important to be proactive and act quickly.  Talk to his or her parents, and get your niece’s or nephew’s doctor involved.  Discuss calling their school system for an assessment.  There is also free early assessment available for nieces or nephews who are not yet in school.  Remind parents that they don’t need an official diagnosis for your niece or nephew in order to access helpful services.  Because this can often be a difficult conversation to have with parents, who might feel defensive or be in denial, approach the conversation carefully.  See some tips from our conversation with autism advocate Holly Robinson Peete here.

As we approach April, which is Autism Awareness Month, keep the results of this study in mind.  Be vigilAunt and keep a close eye on the health of your niece or nephew so that you can make sure they get the help they may need!

Photo: David Castillo Dominici
Published: March 29, 2012