As families struggling with autism demand reasons and explanations for it, the number of children being diagnosed just keeps rising . . . and not just a little. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently released the latest numbers of children being diagnosed within the autism spectrum, estimating that one in 88 children is affected.
Let’s take a quick look at some latest statistics as we continue to observe Autism Awareness Month.
Running the Numbers
The numbers are rapidly increasing every year. In fact, the current statistics show an increase of 23 percent since 2009, and a whopping 73 percent since 2007.
One fact which has remained steady is that the majority of children diagnosed within the autistic spectrum are boys, coming in at one in 47. This is five times greater than the number of girls being diagnosed, which is one in 252. Minorities are also seeing increased numbers with Hispanic children increasing by 110 percent and autistic black children increasing by 91 percent.
Early intervention is one of the best treatments for autism and recognizing the symptoms as soon as possible is crucial. Fortunately, according to this latest information, children are now beginning to be diagnosed as early as three years old, though the average age leans towards four years old.
What is Causing the Rise in Diagnoses?
Does autism occur in utero or does it develop after birth? Here are some ideas that the medical community thinks may be contributing to the rising numbers.
- A great deal of discussion surrounds vaccinations. Is it the actual vaccination? Or is it the mercury (which acts as a conglomerate within the vaccines) that instigates it?
- With 15 to 20 percent of autistic children having a genetic mutation, genes could be a contributor.
- Closely-spaced pregnancies (children being born within one year of one another) is another speculation for autism.
- Children born to older parents may be at higher risk.
- Premature or low-birth-weight babies may have an increased chance of autism.
- Certain prescriptions (like thalidomide and valporic acid) taken during pregnancy are now questionable.
- If someone in your family has an autistic child, family history may be a risk as well.
- Environmental pollution could also make a difference.
Are We Just More Aware?
What needs to be considered for the increase in numbers is simple awareness. If autism is more easily detected due to enhanced diagnosis methods, naturally the numbers would rise. It may just be that in the past many mild autistics were not so identifiable, which could be why the spectrum for autism seems to be stretching wider and wider as each day passes.
Given that, the question must be posed: are the numbers truly increasing, or are parents and doctors able to recognize the traits more easily? That’s the million dollar question.
By Kristen Lee Curtis
Originally published at http://www.insidershealth.com