Diagnosis in Autism: A Survey of Over 1200 Patients in the UK

The results of a survey of almost I300 parent members of autistic societies in the UK are described. The ages of their children ranged from 2 to 49 years. The survey focused on parents' views of the diagnostic process and data were collected on the age at which diagnosis was made, the time taken to obtain a diagnosis and the professionals involved. Differences in geographical area were also assessed. Overall, the results indicate that children are now being diagnosed earlier than in previous decades, but the average age of diagnosis is still around 6 years. There are also wide regional variations in diagnosis. The survey indicates that many parents continue to experience lengthy and often frustrating delays before they finally receive a diagnosis. Moreover, even when this process is completed, the amount of practical help subsequently provided is generally very limited. Factors related to parental satisfaction with the diagnostic process are discussed in detail.



Reference

Diagnosis in Autism: A Survey of Over 1200 Patients in the UKAutism November 1997 1: 135-162,AutismNovember 1997 vol. 1 no. 2135-162

doi: 10.1177/1362361397012003

According to the CDC

The rate of autism has steadily increased, according to the CDC. The CDC estimates that approximately 2% or more of children from birth to 21 years of age have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in New Jersey.

Autism is a complex condition. No single factor can explain why more children are being identified with ASD, although a combination of genetic and environmental factors play a role. In addition, some of the increase in the rates in the CDC's study may be due to: changes in the diagnosis and treatment, greater awareness, and better record keeping.

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Previous CDC Autism Prevalence Study Results

A Decade of Data

With the report released in March 2014, we now have a decade of surveillance data utilizing consistent methodology that presents a clear picture of the trends since 2000. Here are the numbers:

1 in 68 (US); 1 in 45 (NJ)
Report Year: 2014
Surveillance Year:  2010

CDC’s ADDM Network reported that about 1 in 68 children had an ASD (based on children who were 8 years old in 2010). Data from 11 AADM Network Sites were reviewed, including New Jersey. New Jersey's rate was approx. 21.9 per 1,000 or 1 in 45.  See 2014 Report.

1 in 88 (US); 1 in 49 (NJ)
Report Year: 2012
Surveillance Year:  2008

CDC’s ADDM Network reported that about 1 in 88 children had an ASD (based on children who were 8 years old in 2008). Data from 14 AADM Network Sites were reviewed, including New Jersey. New Jersey's rate was approx. 20.5 per 1,000 or 1 in 49.  See 2012 Report.

1 in 110 (US)
Report Year: 2009Surveillance Year:  2006 

CDC’s ADDM Network reported that about 1 in 110 children had an ASD (based on children who were 8 years old in 2006).
Data from 11 AADM Network Sites were reviewed.  New Jersey was not included in this report.  See 2009 Report.

1 in 150 (US); 1 in 94 (NJ)
Report Year: 2007Surveillance Year:  2002

CDC’s ADDM Network reported that about 1 in 150 children had an ASD (based on children who were 8 years old in 2002).
Data from 14 AADM Network Sites were reviewed, including New Jersey. New Jersey's rate was approx. 10.6 per 1,000 or 1 in 94. This report combined results from 2002 with those from 2000.  See 2007 Report.

1 in 166 (US); 1 in 101 (NJ)
Report Year: 2007Surveillance Year:  2000

CDC’s ADDM Network first reported that about 1 in 166 children had an ASD (based on children who were 8 years old in 2000).
Data from 6 AADM Network Sites were reviewed, including New Jersey.  New Jersey's rate was approx. 9.9 per 1,000 or 1 in 101.  This report combined results from 2000 with the data from 2002.  See 2007 Report.

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Other Prevalence Studies/Surveys

National Survey of Children's Health -- 1 in 50 (US)

Report Date:  March 20, 2013
Survey Period:  2011 to 2012
Report:  http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhsr/nhsr065.pdf

Statistics as reported by parents of school-aged children (ages 6–17 years) in 2011–2012.  Data were drawn from the 2007 and 2011–2012 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH), which are independent nationally representative telephone surveys of households with children. The surveys were conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics with funding and direction from the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau.  Prior report of data from 2007 survey indicated a rate of 1 in 86 children (ages 6-17).

http://www.autismnj.org/prevalence-rates