Worries Grow With Increasing Autism Diagnoses

Worries Grow With Increasing Autism Diagnoses

Newly released numbers out of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that autism may be on the rise.

The CDC originally reported that one in every 68 children was diagnosed with autism or a related disorder. The number is now being estimated to be one in 45 children. The new numbers come from a survey of parents the CDC conducts between releasing their official statistics.

Experts said they are not surprised by the survey because they always suspected autism was under-diagnosed. They also believe the new numbers will actually help those with the disorder.

Simon Douglas is 14-years old and started high school this year. His mother, Shay Valigorski, described her son as a traditional case of autism.

“A lot of restrictive interests and problems with social skills, and he also has a language delay, which makes communication very challenging for him,” she said.

Valigorski said she wasn’t surprised to see the increased numbers, but she said it can only be a good thing.

“More children are being identified, which is really good news, because those children who may not have been identified before can now get appropriate help,” she said.

Janine Kruiswijk with the local chapter of the Autism Society said the new data (continue reading)

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