The statistics keep being shocking. But according to Stephen Edelson, PH. D. and executive director of Autism Research Institute, explains that the new statistics are not showing the real picture:
"Diagnosis and Prevalence of Autism: What a Mess! A new prevalence rate of autism was announced yesterday by the Center for Disease Control. The new estimate is that 1 in 68 children is on the autism spectrum. The previous rate, released in 2012, was 1 in 88. This new rate reflects a 29% increase in autism in just two years. Specifically, autism affects 1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls. In contrast to the CDC's numbers, a study published this month in JAMA Psychiatry suggests a decrease, not an increase, in autism, though the authors of the study attribute the lower rate to the new DSM-V criteria for autism. Complicating the picture, a study published in Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology last month indicates that a popular screening assessment, the Modified Childhood Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT), is only accurate approximately one-third of the time. It is obvious that much clarification is needed regarding the diagnosis of autism, which obviously affects the prevalence rate. There are many reasons for the confusion, including the heterogeneity of the autism population and a disagreement among professionals on a valid definition of autism. Now for some good news: many research organizations, including the Autism Research Institute, have recently focused their attention on determining subtypes of autism. Once valid subtypes are determined, it will be much easier for researchers to study the underlying causes and most effective interventions for each subtype. We will keep subscribers up-to-date on this line of research."
There are new evidences that are pointing to the possibility of 7 different types of Autism. If this can be proven; then, better treatments can be developed and our kids can have better outcomes in dealing or recovering from Autism. What we, parents, find very downing and confusing is getting the right treatment for our kids because the way every child is affected is different, one approach doesn't fit all. The Autism Research Institute is putting a lot of effort to get data world wide through a survey. When I was filling the survey many of the questions applied to my son. I felt this can bring many answers to my questions about my son's Autism diagnosis. Please forward this information if you know a family that has a child diagnosed with Autism. Together we can ensure a better future for the next generation!
 Parents & Caregivers Urged to Complete Updated ARI E-2 Survey to Identify Autism Subtypes
Who: Chief Investigator Steve M. Edelson, Ph.D., Executive Director, Autism Research Institute.
What: Comprehensive, consent-based online survey. The survey is lengthy and may take up to two hours to complete - you can start the survey and then save it, and return and complete it another time. The survey is online at:www.AutismResearchSurvey.com.
Purpose: (1) To corroborate previous research on subtyping autism and (2) to determine, based on parent responses, possible underlying causes and the effectiveness of various interventions in relation to each subtype.
Compensation: Participants who complete the entire survey will receive a complimentary one-year subscription to ARI's science newsletter, the Autism Research Review International. In addition, participants will be entered in a contest to win an Apple iPad. Note: one entry per individual with ASD.
Once the data has been collected and analyzed, we will send a summary report to all of the participants. If we do replicate our previous findings, we will also inform each participant to which subgroup their son or daughter belongs to.
Where: International - this study is open to participants worldwide.
When: Data collection is ongoing, and the next iPad drawing will take place on April 30, 2014. The winner of the drawing will not be announced publicly.
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Happy Autism Awareness Month!
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