Today, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) updated the incidence rate of autism among eight year olds in the United States. This updated report occurs every two years. The incidence rate released in April 2016 showed that 1 out of 68 children were living with an autism diagnosis. Today’s incidence rate show the rate has increased to 1 out of 59 eight year olds.
For those involved in supporting the needs of individuals living with autism and their families, this increase is not surprising. Providers of services know that they are getting more calls for help than ever before. Unfortunately, the demands for help far exceed the available resources to assist an individual or his/her family.
When asked about the increased incidence rate, Scott Badesch, President/CEO of the Autism Society of America, stated, “Today’s announcement by the CDC of the increase of the incidence of autism is not surprising to the Autism Society. We are constantly seeing increased requests and need for services. What is surprising to us is that, despite the increase in the number of people with an autism diagnosis, our nation appears to continue to accept that 70% of autistic adults are unemployed or underemployed and that as many are forced to live below poverty. We should not accept that over 50% of students with an autism diagnosis do not graduate high school on time or do not graduate at all. Autism remains a have and have not disorder; those with money are often able to get needed services, while those with limited resources are often denied services and put on waiting lists for up to eight or more years for government supported services. If, like me, you are concerned about today’s incidence rate announcement, commit to calling your elected officials and ask that they do way more to help all impacted by autism have the highest quality of life possible. “
“The Autism CARES Act is due to be reviewed and extended” said Kim Musheno, VP of Public Policy. “Given the continued rise in the number of people on the spectrum and the tremendous needs of these individuals and families, we urge the Congress to take this opportunity to reauthorize and expand the law to include more research and resources for services and supports. Our almost 100 affiliates, families, and allies stand ready to assist the Congress and the Administration to take action to help these individuals.”
For additional information on the Autism Society, go to www.autism-society.org. If you want to talk with someone about autism or to help find a resource for a person living with autism, call the Autism Society of America’s professionally staffed Autism Source Contact Center at 1-800-3-AUTISM.
See the CDC Press Release.
See the CDC report.
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What is the CDC:
The CDC is the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) which is a United States Government Agency. According to the CDC website (cdc.gov), the CDC’s mission is:
CDC works 24/7 to protect America from health, safety and security threats, both foreign and in the U.S. Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are chronic or acute, curable or preventable, human error or deliberate attack, CDC fights disease and supports communities and citizens to do the same.
CDC increases the health security of our nation. As the nation’s health protection agency, CDC saves lives and protects people from health threats. To accomplish our mission, CDC conducts critical science and provides health information that protects our nation against expensive and dangerous health threats, and responds when these arise.
As part of its mission, the CDC completes an every two year study on the incidence of autism among a randomly research designed group of eight year olds within the CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network in 11 communities. For more information on the Study methodology go to: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ss6302a1.htm?s_cid=ss6302a1_w
What is autism?
https://www.autism-society.org/what-is/
What are the symptoms of autism?
https://www.autism-society.org/what-is/symptoms/
What is causing the incidence rate to increase?
While the rate of autism is increasing among eight year olds, the actual cause of such an incidence has not been defined or is known. While there are often reasons suggested for this cause, the fact is that there is no defined cause for autism. Accordingly, it is not correct to link any suggested cause for this increase/or decrease. There is also no cure for autism.
What is the Autism Society?
The Autism Society of America has been improving the lives of all affected by autism for over 50 years and envisions a world where individuals and families living with autism are able to maximize their quality of life, are treated with the highest level of dignity, and live in a society in which their talents and skills are appreciated and valued. We provide advocacy, education, information and referral, support, and community at national, state and local levels through our strong nationwide network of Affiliates. Founded in 1965 by Dr. Bernard Rimland, Dr. Ruth Sullivan and many other parents of children with autism, the Autism Society is the leading source of trusted and reliable information about autism.
More information on the Autism Society of America can be obtained by going to www.autism-society.org.