Autism
How common is autism?
You may think that there aren't many children like your child with autism. But this condition may be more common than you think.
In countries such as the United States, about 6 in 1,000 children have autism.
1
2
Source:
Fombonne E.
Epidemiological surveys of autism and other pervasive developmental disorders: an update.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 2003; 33: 365-382.
Fombonne E.
Epidemiological surveys of autism and other pervasive developmental disorders: an update.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 2003; 33: 365-382.
Source:
Baird G, Simonoff E, Pickles A, et al.
Prevalence of disorders of the autism spectrum in a population cohort of children in South Thames.
Lancet. 2006; 368: 210-215.
Baird G, Simonoff E, Pickles A, et al.
Prevalence of disorders of the autism spectrum in a population cohort of children in South Thames.
Lancet. 2006; 368: 210-215.
About 1 in 100 children may have any type of autism spectrum disorder (a group of conditions that includes autism, Asperger's syndrome and other similar conditions).
2
Source:
Baird G, Simonoff E, Pickles A, et al.
Prevalence of disorders of the autism spectrum in a population cohort of children in South Thames.
Lancet. 2006; 368: 210-215.
Baird G, Simonoff E, Pickles A, et al.
Prevalence of disorders of the autism spectrum in a population cohort of children in South Thames.
Lancet. 2006; 368: 210-215.
Autism affects about four times as many boys as girls.
3 And it happens in children from all ethnic backgrounds and in people in all countries around the world.
Source:
Fombonne E.
The prevalence of autism.
Journal of the American Medical Association. 2003; 289: 87-89.
Fombonne E.
The prevalence of autism.
Journal of the American Medical Association. 2003; 289: 87-89.
Doctors once thought autism was rare. But newer studies show it seems to be getting more common. It's hard to say why. This
may be just because the newer studies have been better at finding children with autism. Or it may be because the way doctors
define autism has gotten wider. We need more research before we can say for sure what's causing the increase in autism.
1
Source:
Fombonne E.
Epidemiological surveys of autism and other pervasive developmental disorders: an update.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 2003; 33: 365-382.
Fombonne E.
Epidemiological surveys of autism and other pervasive developmental disorders: an update.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 2003; 33: 365-382.
Sources for the information on this page:
- Fombonne E.Epidemiological surveys of autism and other pervasive developmental disorders: an update.Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 2003; 33: 365-382.
- Baird G, Simonoff E, Pickles A, et al.Prevalence of disorders of the autism spectrum in a population cohort of children in South Thames.Lancet. 2006; 368: 210-215.
- Fombonne E.The prevalence of autism.Journal of the American Medical Association. 2003; 289: 87-89.
This information was last updated on May 01, 2009
This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.
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