TORONTO, March 27, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new data on the prevalence of autism in the United States. This surveillance study identified 1 in 68 children (1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls) as having autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
"These findings confirm the overwhelming need to further invest in research, provide services to the tens of thousands of families and individuals affected by autism spectrum disorder and continue with our advocacy and awareness efforts," says Jill Farber, Executive Director of Autism Speaks Canada.
"It's particularly frustrating for our community to know so little about why autism prevalence has increased so starkly," said Autism Speaks Chief Science Officer Robert Ring.
Concerned about autism prevalence? Join people around the world on April 2 for World Autism Awareness Day and continue to Light It Up Blue to increase awareness.