I am the 1 in 252 and 88: New autism prevalence numbers

Infographic by Landon Bryce: 1 of 252 girls in U.S. has autism
http://thautcast.com/drupal5/content/new-cdc-autism-numbers-looking-and-thinking

New autism prevalence rates released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that one in 88 children in the United States has autism. The autism rate for girls is one in 252.

Landon Bryce (thAutcast) has created infographics about the autism statistics at http://thautcast.com/drupal5/content/new-cdc-autism-numbers-looking-and-thinking. As a woman diagnosed in adulthood on the autism spectrum, I consider myself to be a “1” among the 252 and 88.

I react to these numbers with hopefulness and optimism because it suggests to me that we are doing a better job of detecting autism occurrences.

I do not believe we are seeing an “epidemic” or an increase in prevalence of autism. As reported in Time, in 2009 England’s National Health Service found roughly one in 100 adults are on the autism spectrum. The article can be read at http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,1927415,00.html.

I grew up with an undiagnosed “invisible” disability and, as a result, I had no explanation for why I absolutely did not fit in. It was a relief for me to learn in adulthood that there was a reason for my differences: for the abilities as well as the challenges.

Improved detection means that fewer children will grow up with their characteristics unrecognized.

About.com Pediatrics explains the methodology behind the CDC’s new estimates at http://pediatrics.about.com/b/2012/03/29/cdc-reports-that-autism-rates-up-again.htm. It links to the CDC news release at http://www.cdc.gov/Features/CountingAutism/.



Notable week for autism
The CDC numbers stand out during a week that was notable for news about autism. Here are some additional highlights:

• The Autistic Self Advocacy Network organized vigils across the U.S. on March 30 to commemorate people with disabilities who were killed by members of their families. Read my Storify here: http://storify.com/CynthiaParkhill/vigil-for-people-with-disabilities-murdered-by-rel
• Temple Grandin’s newest book, “Different ... Not Less,” is promoted by its publisher as coming soon: “It follows the lives of adults, many diagnosed late in life, and explains how they met their challenges and became successfully employed.” Further information is available at http://store.fhautism.com/p-1112-differentnot-less.aspx
• DisabilityScoop reported on study findings that suggest that people with autism are significantly better at processing large amounts of information and are more skilled at identifying critical details. http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2012/03/23/autism-clear-advantage/15236/
• The DSM Committee stands firm on proposed changes to the autism definition that is slated to appear in the upcoming fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2012/03/28/dsm-standing-firm-autism/15266/