Some interesting findings include the wide discrepancy between autism rates between the states analyzed. For instance, only 3.3 per 1,000 children in Alabama were diagnosed with a form of ASD compared with 10.3 per 1,000 in New Jersey. The cause of the variation between states was unknown, but may be due to better record keeping in some states and inability to locate records in others. Environmental impact could be another reason as well.
Another finding is that ASD is more common in boys than in girls and that most developmental concerns are noticed before three years of age.
“Finally, we can end the debate on the prevalence of autism in our nation and focus on getting the services and supports the families need,” states Lee Grossman, president and CEO of the Autism Society of America, in a press release. “Autism is a treatable lifelong condition that affects tens of millions of Americans today. It is time to aggressively address this national health crisis.”
Because scientists do not yet know what causes autism, and there is no biological test for it, physicians must rely on behavioral clues. This can make diagnosis more difficult than other diseases, such as cancer, where a biopsy can provide definitive evidence of disease. (For more information, see “Autism Behavioral Checklist” and “Autism Early Detection.”
Genes and environment most likely play a role in disease development and many advocates point to the possibility of vaccines causing autism. To date, there has been no scientific evidence backing up this claim.
Although the study did not look at the causes of ASDs, the CDC’s Centers for Autism and Development Disabilities Research and Epidemiology Network is planning on doing “a multi-state study to help identify factors that may put children at risk for ASDs.”
While the study is compelling, and autism and ASD is a serious issue for our nation, it’s important to remember that the CDC collected data on only fourteen states. It cannot provide a national estimate. Only future research from all states can do that.
