WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) -- An estimated one in 88 American children has some form of autism, a 78%increase compared to a decade ago.
That's according to some eye-opening new data, released Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
And boys with autism continue to outnumber girls with the disorder, five-to-one. The C-D-C report estimates one in 54 boys in the U-S has autism.
Experts say more children are being diagnosed because of more awareness and better diagnosis procedures.
The numbers don't automatically mean more children are getting autism. But experts say nevertheless, there is an epidemic in the U-S.
The C-D-C is working with the Academy of American Pediatrics to recommend children get screened for autism between 18 months and 24-months, since the earlier a child is diagnosed, the better.
Learn More: CDC
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