In 2006, the CDC approximated that 1% of U.S. children 8 years of age was on the Autism spectrum (approximate range: 1:80--1:240 children [males: 1:70; females: 1:315]). The average prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)s identified among children aged 8 years increased 57% in 10 of the 11 sites studied from the 2002 to the 2006 surveillance year.1 Although delays in identification persisted, ASDs were being diagnosed by community professionals at earlier ages in 2006 than in 2002. It appears from this data that a true increase in risk for children to develop ASD symptoms may exist.
These results indicate an increased prevalence of identified ASDs among U.S. children aged 8 years and underscore the need to regard ASDs as an urgent public health concern. Early screening is now occurring in primary care clinics thanks to screening tools such as the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers ( M-CHAT), which asks parents 23 questions about their child. (The M-CHAT is copyrighted. Download a free copy and guidelines for use at http://www.firstsigns.org/screening/tools/rec.htm#asd_screens. Modifications to the tool will also be posted on this site.) Research is needed to ascertain the factors that put certain persons at risk, and concerted efforts are essential to provide support for persons with ASDs, their families, and communities to improve long-term outcome.
