Autism Spectrum Disorder
According to the most recent statistical data provided by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (2020)
- About 1 percent of the world population has autism spectrum disorder.
- Prevalence in the United States is estimated at 1 in 36 births (approximately 4% of boys and 1% of girls). These estimates are higher than previous estimates during 2000–2018.
- More than 5.4 million Americans or 2.2% of the U.S. population live with an autism spectrum disorder.
- Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability.
- Prevalence has increased by 26% since 2020, increasing even more in girls than boys, though boys are still about 4 times more likely to receive a diagnosis .
See below for more information about ASD. Call (813) 468-6528 with any questions, we are here to help.
Treatment and cure for ASD
Although it has been previously thought that “there is no cure for ASD as it is a genetic and thus lifelong condition”, the latest data suggests that a significant share of kids with high functioning autism tend to “outgrow” the disorder within a few years of diagnosis, a new study has found. Researchers from Boston Children’s Hospital followed 213 children who were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as toddlers (between 12 and 36 months of age).
By the time they were 5 to 7 years old, nearly four out of 10 (37%) of the children no longer met the criteria for an autism diagnosis, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
The key takeaway of this study is that some children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at a young age and receive proper therapies may not continue to meet the criteria a few years later,” Dr. Elizabeth Harstad, attending physician in developmental medicine at Boston Children’s and the leader of the study.
This information is important for parents to know so that they seek an early diagnosis with interventions when there is even the slightest suspicion of the disorder. It is highly recommended that their child’s development should continue to be monitored over time.”
For more information go to: http://www.autismspeaks.org
What are the common signs?
The symptoms of autism spectrum disorder vary greatly, with features ranging from subtle to severe. Some of the most common traits include: social communication deficits (responding inappropriately in conversations, misreading nonverbal interactions, or having difficulty building friendships appropriate to their age), overly dependent on routines, highly sensitive to changes in their environment, extremes in their attention span (either very short or are able to’ hyperfocus’ on items or tasks that interest them), impaired sensitivities toward sounds and certain textures also known as Sensory Processing Disorder.
Diagnosing under the new ASD umbrella term allows clinicians to account for the variations in symptoms intended to promote early identification and intervention which proves the best outcomes.
Child-Testing specializes in high functioning and atypical autism cases typically considered difficult to diagnose and often missed by other doctors. Call us with any questions (813) 468-6528.
Testing for ASD
Child Testing incorporates a combination of various instruments in the ASD diagnostic process which includes: an in-depth parent interview, review of child’s developmental, medical and family history, an autism behavioral checklist and behavioral observations. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Rexach is considered an expert in early autism spectrum detection. Early detection enables the best outcomes for your child. Click here for details regarding testing for ASD. Please call us at (813) 468-6528 for a free consultation.