Survey finds higher rate of Autism in children - DC Breaking Local News Weather Sports FOX 5 WTTG

Survey finds higher rate of Autism in children

Posted: Updated:
MYFOXNY.COM -

A phone survey of parents in the United States found that 1 in 50 schoolchildren has autism, which surpasses the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate of one in 88 children with the developmental disorder.

Michael Rosanoff, of Autism Speaks, says we are getting better at detecting autism in children.

"The one in 88 is very likely an underestimate of the true prevalence in the United States.  What we've seen around the world when you go into classrooms and screen directly was about 2.5% This one in 50 --or two percent --is closer to that number. We'll see when the CDC releases their official statistics," said Rosanoff.

For decades, autism meant kids with severe language, intellectual and social impairments and unusual, repetitious behaviors. But the definition has gradually expanded and now includes milder, related conditions.

The new estimate released Wednesday would mean at least 1 million children have autism.

  • Today on Good DayToday on Good Day

  • Friday, May 17 2013 5:09 PM EDT2013-05-17 21:09:38 GMT
    Good Day wrapped up its first Burger Week in honor of National Burger Month. Every day we had a burger flashback -- a burger drop of hamburgers in our studio and a burger-related Good Day Cafe. All of
    Good Day wrapped up its first Burger Week in honor of National Burger Month. Every day we had a burger flashback -- a burger drop of hamburgers in our studio and a burger-related Good Day Cafe. All of
  • Friday, May 17 2013 10:36 AM EDT2013-05-17 14:36:34 GMT
    May is Melanoma Awareness Month.  Weill Cornell Dermatology is holding a free skin cancer screening clinic on Friday, May 17 from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
    May is Melanoma Awareness Month.  Weill Cornell Dermatology is holding a free skin cancer screening clinic on Friday, May 17 from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Friday, May 17 2013 10:34 AM EDT2013-05-17 14:34:18 GMT
    Aspiring singer Garrett Gardner may have gotten the heave-ho from The Voice, but he's not letting that stifle his music career. The New Jersey native performed during GDNY on Friday.
    Aspiring singer Garrett Gardner may have gotten the heave-ho from The Voice, but he's not letting that stifle his music career. The New Jersey native performed during GDNY on Friday.
Powered by WorldNow

WTTG FOX 5 & myfoxdc
5151 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20016
Main Number: (202) 244-5151
Newsroom: (202) 895-3000
fox5tips@wttg.com

Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices