Pervasive developmental disorders
Rate of autism diagnoses rises dramatically, cause unknown
In a report released Thursday, the Center for Disease Control estimated 1 in 88 children in the United States has received a diagnosis of autism or a related disorder. The report has renewed the debate over the causes and diagnostic criteria for autism.
Rate of Autism Diagnoses Rises Dramatically
New numbers released by Centers for Disease Control reveal that the number of children who have been diagnosed with autism has nearly doubled since 2002. According to the CDC’s latest report, one in 88 children in the United States has autism or a related disorder. It is not entirely clear what the large increase in […]
Redefining Autism: How it Could Change Treatment and Policy
The Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) is a dictionary that defines and classifies all mental health disorders. First published in 1952, the DSM is used by everyone from clinicians to pharmaceutical companies to policy makers. Since its inception, the DSM has been revised only four times – one such occasion was in 1980 when homosexuality was no […]
Sensitive Santas Cater to Autistic Children
Sitting on Santa Claus’s lap can be be an especially daunting proposition for children who are among the 1.5 million Americans with autism spectrum disorders. However, for many parents, there may be hope this Christmas. The Ohio-based Glimcher Realty Trust – which owns 2 dozen malls nationwide – has recently started working with autism groups to offer […]
Vaccines and Autism
Vaccines are considered one of the major triumphs of modern medicine. But, as the number of inoculations children must receive increases – – so do a number of safety concerns. Some researchers worry the shots are linked to a rise in autism. From member station WBUR, Rachel Gotbaum reports.
Brains and the Environment
The science is in the early stages, but doctors and other health researchers are becoming increasingly concerned that a wide range of synthetic chemicals and pollutants may be linked to brain disorders, ranging from attention deficit disorder to autism. Host Steve Curwood reports from a recent conference of health experts in New York.