A phone survey of parents in the United States found that 1 in 50 schoolchildren has autism, which surpasses the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate of one in 88 children with the developmental disorder.
Michael Rosanoff, of Autism Speaks, says we are getting better at detecting autism in children.
"The one in 88 is very likely an underestimate of the true prevalence in the United States. What we've seen around the world when you go into classrooms and screen directly was about 2.5% This one in 50 --or two percent --is closer to that number. We'll see when the CDC releases their official statistics," said Rosanoff.
For decades, autism meant kids with severe language, intellectual and social impairments and unusual, repetitious behaviors. But the definition has gradually expanded and now includes milder, related conditions.
The new estimate released Wednesday would mean at least 1 million children have autism.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 8:05 AM EDT2013-05-21 12:05:39 GMT
Country crooner Trace Adkins is the winner of All-Star Celebrity Apprentice. While he's happy to have raised money for his charity, Adkins says his mind and heart are with the victims of the Oklahoma tornado.
Country crooner Trace Adkins is the winner of All-Star Celebrity Apprentice. While he's happy to have raised money for his charity, Adkins says his mind and heart are with the victims of the tornado that ripped through Oklahoma on Monday.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:53 AM EDT2013-05-21 10:53:13 GMT
A massive tornado devastated parts of Oklahoma on Monday. It destroyed entire neighborhoods, killing dozens of people. If you would like to help those in need, you can donate to relief organizations. SALVATION
A massive tornado devastated parts of Oklahoma on Monday. It destroyed entire neighborhoods, killing dozens of people. If you would like to help those in need, you can donate to relief organizations. SALVATION
Monday, May 20 2013 1:12 PM EDT2013-05-20 17:12:07 GMT
American Idol season 12 runner-up Kree Harrison gave winner Candice Glover a run for her money. But the top two finalists became good friends during weeks of competition. Harrison stopped by Monday's Good Day New York
American Idol season 12 runner-up Kree Harrison gave winner Candice Glover a run for her money. But the top two finalists became good friends during weeks of competition. We'll hear from the rising star next week.
Monday, May 20 2013 1:08 PM EDT2013-05-20 17:08:31 GMT
The sixth installment of the wildly popular 'Fast & Furious' movies hit theaters next week. Actor Tyrese Gibson shares the big screen with a star-studded cast.
The sixth installment of the wildly popular 'Fast & Furious' movies hit theaters next week. Actor Tyrese Gibson shares the big screen with a star-studded cast.
Friday, May 17 2013 5:09 PM EDT2013-05-17 21:09:38 GMT
Good Day wrapped up its first Burger Week in honor of National Burger Month. Every day we had a burger flashback -- a burger drop of hamburgers in our studio and a burger-related Good Day Cafe. All of
Good Day wrapped up its first Burger Week in honor of National Burger Month. Every day we had a burger flashback -- a burger drop of hamburgers in our studio and a burger-related Good Day Cafe. All of
