A report published in March 2012 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that in the past decade there has been a 78 percent increase in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The CDC estimates that one in every 88 children in the United States has autism, with one in 54 boys affected.

“With nearly a doubling of prevalence since CDC started tracking in 1992, autism is officially becoming an epidemic,” said Mark Roithmayr, president of Autism Speaks, the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization. 

According to the CDC report, autism spectrum disorders are described as a group of developmental disabilities characterized by “impairments in social interaction and communication, and by restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior.” The CDC says that symptoms of ASDs surface before age 3.

To determine prevalence of ASDs, the CDC relied on its Autism and Development Monitoring Network (ADDM), which includes parents or guardians in 14 different sites throughout the United States. The ADDM relies on actual child evaluation records rather than professional or family reporting. Records from birth to age 8—when symptoms are most prevalent—are used.

The CDC  report evaluated ADDM data from 2008 and compared it with 2006 and 2002 data. There was a 78 percent increase in ASDs between 2002 and 2008, and a 23 percent increase from 2006 to 2008. 

Of course, the question is: What is causing this surge? “We’re continually exploring our data to better understand the increase,” said Jon Baio, lead author of the CDC report. “In this data we saw the largest increases in Hispanic and black children and in children with higher intellectual ability, and that’s probably due to better screening and diagnosis in local communities.”

The CDC explains that while finding out what is causing the increase is important, it’s even more critical to empower parents and guardians to get help.

Baio told Wellness Times that if parents suspect a problem, they should not just wait and see what happens. “We have tools to help parents understand what might be typical in their child’s development and to help them talk to their child’s doctor about their concerns. You don’t need a diagnosis to receive services, so call your local early intervention program or school system for an assessment.”

Here are some helpful links:

To help track your child’s development.

Advice about talking to your child’s doctor.

A 42-page booklet that includes tips for encouraging development from 2 months to 5 years.

Assessment services for children age 3 or younger.

Overall support from others who have similar concerns.