Autism Cases on the Rise
A new study, published in October 2009 by the journal Pediatrics, reports an increase in the number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and estimates cases of ASD at 1 out of every 91 kids between the ages of 3 and 17.
By: Lindsay Hutton
In this article, you will find:
Causes of autism spectrum disorders
According to a report published in The New England Journal of Medicine, at least 60 disorders have been associated with autism, including genetic, metabolic, and neurologic diseases. The AAP breaks down the causes of ASD into three main categories: genetics, environment, and neurobiology.Some studies are also concentrating on the link between exposure to vaccines and the prevalence of ASD. The National Children's Study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, will soon begin to examine these exposures in children in an effort to improve the health and well-being of children. At this time, expert reviews of scientific literature have not found any causal link between vaccines and ASD.
The best way to diagnose and treat an ASD is to have your child tested at a young age. If you think your child may have ASD, or would like to have him screened, talk to your child's pediatrician to figure out a plan that works best for you and your family.