The journal Pediatrics just published new statistics on autism disorder prevalence in the US. The studies show that 1 out of every 91 children have autism or a disorder on the autism spectrum. This includes kids diagnosed with autism, Asperger’s syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder. And 1 in every 58 boys is struggling with this. This is a huge change of the CDC’s previous estimates in 2007 of 1 in 150. They are changing their numbers next month to 1 in 100 kids in the US, which translates to greater than 770,000 kids.

This news confirms what people in the autism world have long known – that more families are affected by this than the previous statistics show. I am not convinced that in 2 years, there is such a huge rise in the number of kids affected (although the instances have been rising over the past few decades), but the awareness, education and willingness to see these situations has improved.

Hopefully this news will encourage more research in the causes and treatments of these disorders and more support for the families who are working 24/7 to try to improve the lives of these kids and set them on as healthy a course in adulthood as they can. Considering these numbers, approximately 1.5 million adults are living with these disorders. Some are able to find a niche that works for them and are doing well.

It is estimated that lifelong care will cost 2/3 less if there is early intervention not to mention the improvement in quality of life and independence and success in life. The awareness and education that allowed for these apparently darker statistics has the stronger benefit of making positive changes.

Some successful early intervention strategies include, but are not limited to:

• Naturopathic Therapies such as therapeutic nutrition, supplements to replenish chronically depleted nutrients found in autistic children, herbs, homeopathy, diet changes, (DAN), allergy testing, toxin testing, digestive support.
• Neurological and psychiatric medications and assistance
• Specific educational programs- some including sign language
• Physical Therapy including cranio-sacral therapy among others

What is the take away from this news? Increased awareness can help bring more funding and energy to research, support services and early intervention.