Hey folks. I came across some disheartening news today.. 1 in 150 is no longer an accurate statistic for American kids afflicted by some range of the Autism spectrum. Recent surveys by the CDC found the rate to be closer to 1 in 100. I have worked with dozens of autistic children first hand. Many know me on a first name basis. They are great kids. Autism is treatable. I am pledging to collect $1 for every American child with autism. One of my cases parents is making a feature length documentary about the children and parents affected by Autism, and all we need is funding. Everything is ready to go. Please support my cause… Read more below… Thanks. ~Greg
More Kids Have Autism Than Thought
By CARLA K. JOHNSON
AP
CHICAGO (Oct. 5) – Two new government studies indicate about 1 in 100 children have autism disorders — higher than a previous U.S. estimate of 1 in 150.
Greater awareness, broader definitions and spotting autism in younger children may explain some of the increase, federal health officials said.
“The concern here is that buried in these numbers is a true increase,” said Dr. Thomas Insel, director of the National Institute of Mental Health. “We’re going to have to think very hard about what we’re going to do for the 1 in 100.”
Figuring out how many children have autism is extremely difficult because diagnosis is based on a child’s behavior, said Dr. Susan E. Levy of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics subcommittee on autism.
“With diabetes you can get a blood test,” said Levy. “As of yet, there’s no consistent biologic marker we can use to make the diagnosis of autism.”
The new estimate would mean about 673,000 American children have autism. Previous estimates put the number at about 560,000.
One of the studies stems from the 2007 National Survey of Children’s Health. The results were released Monday, and published in October’s Pediatrics.
In that study, based on telephone surveys, parents reported about 1 in 91 children, ages 3 to 17, had autism, including milder forms such as Asperger’s syndrome.
The other government estimate has not been formally released yet. But because of the new published findings, officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention decided to announce Friday during an embargoed press briefing that their preliminary findings also show about 1 in 100 children have the disorders.
The CDC uses an in-depth method for its estimate, said CDC researcher Catherine Rice. An agency network reviews the education and health records of 8-year-old children in selected cities and determines whether the children meet the diagnosis. Autism experts generally consider this method more rigorous than a telephone survey.
President Barack Obama has made autism a priority for research, Insel said. Federal stimulus money has been earmarked for autism, and a 2006 law pumped millions of dollars of new federal money into autism research, screening and treatment.
For the full article, go here..http://news.aol.com/health/article/more-kids-have-autism-than-previously/702394
The numbers are shocking. I wish they could find out what is causing it! I feel like there must be some environmental component. It’s everywhere. Aspergers is milder but still scary. My heart aches for the parents of these children.
Lisa McLellan
Child Care Expert,
Babysitting Services, Babysitting Tips, Babysitters, Nannies
Scary numbers. Not sure what the stats are in the UK or elsewhere in the world for that matter. Where is the density greatest? Does that reveal any clues as to causes?
http://www.martin-wright.com
Any feedback to the idea about the onset of autism after the MMR vaccination? I hear parents swear . . . and I do mean swear that the vaccine flipped the switch.
So incredibly sad.
Dangers of Fasting, Katie
wow I didn’t know autism was this common. That’s really sad.
Bert (alter ego- Mister P)
MisterP.org/blog
That is quite a high number of children affected by autism. I used to work with Autistic children for a brief while, and its effects can be quite stressful for parents. I will spread your message around.
MissMentor
I still want to know what it is?
Seize the Day,
Rob
Emergency Preparedness For the 21st Century Family
My wife worked in a group home for 7 years, and a lot of the young adults Autistic. First hand knowledge of makes me happy to know you are doing what you are doing.
Robert Martin
http://www.carbuyinghq.com
Hi Greg, great idea. Maybe you could find a sponsor for a website where people can go and click once a day, and website sponsor makes donation based on clicks. These kids deserve support.
Blessings,
Keri Eagan.
Hi Greg,
So am I correct in understanding your new financial goal for autism fundraising is USD 673,000.00?
Great to be spreading the word about the newly updated statistics. While disheartening, since autism is so treatable, it is still encouraging news for parents, children, and families.
Happy Dating and Relationships,
April Braswell
Online Dating Coach and Relationship Expert
What you are on a great cause to help kids in need
Jose Escalante
http://www.joseescalante.com
Wow, autism is getting to be like Bipolar or ADHD. More and more people are starting to get diagnosed with it.
Steve Chambers
Sales Training Speaker
But why are more people getting diagnosed? Do we have more cases or we just noticing the cases we already had??
This is so frustrating I have an adult student who seems to be Asberger’s . . . I am ready for him to wrap up his studies. He’s even insulted my running. In normal society we’d simply ostracize him. Frankly, I’m not sure we shouldn’t. I need to hear the case for inclusion. I am not convinced.
Leadership in Education, Kate
Good article and you are addressing such a huge need for awareness. My 18 year old nephew has severe autism and he was diagnosed late because it was years ago and no one believed my sister that something was wrong.
More awareness also means that we can improve diagnosing accuracy and also improve intervention.
Jennifer Battaglino
The Harwood Center – Tinnitus, Chronic Illness, Fears, and Anxiety
I had no idea the numbers. Any parent with healthy children are blessed. MMR that is a scary thought considering it was mandatory. Is there a certain age group since we are hearing about more new cases?
Vicki http://www.bridal-threads.com
Cool Stuff… I always enjoy your blog… Thanks for the insight and great information. It’s cool learning about a new topic that I didn’t know much about.
http://www.scottpayne.me
http://www.salesjunkie.net
many times children’s autism is not diagnosed until later on because local governments do not want to have to pay for their special care and education.
Great Information!!… Love the blog , can’t wait to learn more. Thanks
Scott
http://www.scottpayne.me
Back for more…
Scott Payne
http://www.scottpayne.me