Autism rates now 1 in 100

The CDC has issued new figures that places the incidence of autism at 1 child out of every 100.  This figure continues the alarming trend over the last 15-20 years of increasing incidence.  When I speak at conferences, invaribly someone will ask, but don't you think that figure just reflects better and more inclusive diagnosis.  While I think that accounts for a small portion of the change, as a professional that has worked in the field for more than 30 years, there is no doubt in my mind that increasing numbers of children are falling on the autism spectrum.  And for every child on the spectrum, we see 3-4 who are not, but who demonstrate signficant sensory and behavioral regulatory challenges.  This a profound change from the children I saw in the early years of my practice, who primarily presented with a coordination issue.