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Developmental Disabilities

Developmental disabilities are birth defects that cause lifelong problems with how a body part or system works.

April 28th, 2008

Cause of Higher Prevalence of Autism in Recent Years is Unknown

Health News posted 4 years ago by The Healia Team

Public health experts are uncertain whether the higher prevalence of autism observed in recent years is a result of an actual increase in the number of autistic children or an increase in the ability to diagnose the condition. In February 2007, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the prevalence of autism was 1 in every 150 American children and almost 1 in 94 boys.

Although children do not outgrow autism, studies show that early diagnosis and intervention lead to significantly improved outcomes. Here are some possible signs of autism in children to be aware of:

Lack of or delay in spoken language
Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms
Little or no eye contact
Lack of interest in peer relationships
Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play
Persistent fixation on parts of objects

April is National Autism Awareness Month. If you are looking for information about autism, visit healia.com and type in autism. Do you have a question about autism you’d like to ask an expert? Visit Healia Communities to ask questions and connect with others in the Autism Community.