pimmy
02-09-2007, 04:56 PM
New CDC Prevalence Estimates
CDC Reports High Autism Prevalence New Jersey
On Friday, February 9, the CDC issued the most complete information on the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in the United States to date. Across 14 states studied in 2000 and 2002, the average prevalence rate was 1 in every 152 children (6.6 in 1,000). This number is consistent with previous estimates found in other well-controlled studies, one of which was conducted in New Jersey. Unexpectedly, the prevalence in New Jersey was higher with a rate of 1 in every 94 children (10.6 in 1,000). While the report did not offer conclusive reasons for the discrepancy, they note that New Jersey investigators had access to both health and education records and a greater number of evaluations available for review.
While this estimate for New Jersey is higher than previously published results, it is encouraging to note that the prevalence rates from 2000 and 2002 were stable. This means that there was not an increase in the incidence, the number of new diagnoses. This stability in prevalence was found for four of the six sites that had data from 2000 and 2002.
COSAC applauds the CDC for their systematic and unprecedented commitment to understanding the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders. High quality research projects such as these offer essential information to improving the lives of all individuals with autism.
For more information on this study, please click here for frequently asked questions answered by New Jersey’s lead investigator, Dr. Walter Zahorodny.
New Jersey Autism Study overview
Downloadable PDF of full CDC report
Full CDC report
President Bush Signed Combating Autism Act
President Bush has signed the landmark Combating Autism Act of 2006 (S. 843). The bill--which has the support of all major autism advocacy groups--authorizes nearly $1 billion over the next five years to combat autism through research, screening, early detection and early intervention. The new legislation will increase federal spending on autism by at least 50 percent. It includes provisions relating to the diagnosis and treatment of persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and expands and intensifies biomedical research on autism, including an essential focus on possible environmental causes.
The bill was sponsored by Senators Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Christopher Dodd (D-CT). The House version was brought to the House floor by Congressman Joe Barton (R-TX), Chair of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. A companion bill was originally introduced in the House of Representatives by Congresswomen Mary Bono (R-CA) and Diana DeGette (D-CO).
CDC Reports High Autism Prevalence New Jersey
On Friday, February 9, the CDC issued the most complete information on the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in the United States to date. Across 14 states studied in 2000 and 2002, the average prevalence rate was 1 in every 152 children (6.6 in 1,000). This number is consistent with previous estimates found in other well-controlled studies, one of which was conducted in New Jersey. Unexpectedly, the prevalence in New Jersey was higher with a rate of 1 in every 94 children (10.6 in 1,000). While the report did not offer conclusive reasons for the discrepancy, they note that New Jersey investigators had access to both health and education records and a greater number of evaluations available for review.
While this estimate for New Jersey is higher than previously published results, it is encouraging to note that the prevalence rates from 2000 and 2002 were stable. This means that there was not an increase in the incidence, the number of new diagnoses. This stability in prevalence was found for four of the six sites that had data from 2000 and 2002.
COSAC applauds the CDC for their systematic and unprecedented commitment to understanding the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders. High quality research projects such as these offer essential information to improving the lives of all individuals with autism.
For more information on this study, please click here for frequently asked questions answered by New Jersey’s lead investigator, Dr. Walter Zahorodny.
New Jersey Autism Study overview
Downloadable PDF of full CDC report
Full CDC report
President Bush Signed Combating Autism Act
President Bush has signed the landmark Combating Autism Act of 2006 (S. 843). The bill--which has the support of all major autism advocacy groups--authorizes nearly $1 billion over the next five years to combat autism through research, screening, early detection and early intervention. The new legislation will increase federal spending on autism by at least 50 percent. It includes provisions relating to the diagnosis and treatment of persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and expands and intensifies biomedical research on autism, including an essential focus on possible environmental causes.
The bill was sponsored by Senators Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Christopher Dodd (D-CT). The House version was brought to the House floor by Congressman Joe Barton (R-TX), Chair of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. A companion bill was originally introduced in the House of Representatives by Congresswomen Mary Bono (R-CA) and Diana DeGette (D-CO).