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New Studies Confirm the Prevalence of Autism among Children and Youth Two studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control verify that parental report of autism is highly reliable. The National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) reports that the prevalence of autism is 5.5 per 1,000 children ages 4-17, and the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) shows prevalence at 5.7 per 1,000 children of the same age. These data suggest that as of 2003-2004, autism has been diagnosed in at least 300,000 U.S. children aged 4-17 years.

The two surveys revealed similar results regarding sex, age, and race/ethnicity. In both surveys, autism occurred in males 3.7 times more than females, and peak prevalence was observed at ages 6-11 years. Lower rates of autism were seen in Hispanic children.

The NHIS information showed that children with autism are more likely to have moderate or high levels of emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, trouble with peer relationships, and total difficulties. The most obvious differences between children with and without autism were for peer relationships (approximately 82 percent vs. 16 percent) and hyperactivity (approximately 65 percent vs. 12 percent).

The NSCH data showed that approximately 94 percent of children with autism had special health care needs; and about 90 percent needed more medical, mental health, or educational services than other children or needed treatment or counseling for an emotional, developmental, or behavior problem. For children without autism, these percentages are approximately 20 percent and 11 percent, respectively.

For the entire report (May 5, 2006 / 55(17);481-486), go to [url="http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5517a3.htm"]http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5517a3.htm[/url]?
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