RELATED ARTICLES
• http://www.arkansas…">Screeing, better diagnosis cited in autism rise
• http://www.arkansas…">Children's Hospital gets funding for autism work
Pulaksi County numbers were included in the nationwide autism study released today that examined the rate of occurrence in 14 regions.
The national study found that 1 in 88 children had an autism spectrum disorder in 2008. The CDC study reviewed 48,247 school and health records and identified 3,820 8-year-olds with autism spectrum disorders. Boys were much more likely to be identified (1 in 54) than girls (1 in 252).
In Pulaski County, the rate of autism spectrum disorders was unchanged from 2006, but a professor with in the College of Medicine’s Department of Pediatrics and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation said the results were from a statistically small pool of children.
“This latest data is earth-shaking,” said Dr. Eldon Schulz, the principal investigator for the UAMS portion of the study. “Our methodology for identifying autism spectrum disorders has been consistent over the years, so the scientific community is searching for answers.”
UAMS received CDC funding to expand its autism study for 2010 and 2012. Schulz is still assessing data for 2010 and will soon begin this year's study.
Autism spectrum disorders – which include related disorders like Asperger syndrome, a milder form of autism – are developmental disabilities that affect language, cognition, emotional development and the ability to relate and interact with others.
There is no medical diagnostic test for autism, such as a blood test or a brain scan. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed by comprehensive psychological and behavioral evaluations.
Other states participating in the study included Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah and Wisconsin.