Federal health officials say greater awareness, broader definitions and spotting autism in younger children may explain some of the increase in the proportion of children with disorders.
Two new government studies indicate about 1 in 100 children have autism disorders, higher than a previous estimate of 1 in 150.
Dr. Thomas Insel, director of the National Institute of Mental Health, says the main concern is determining whether there's a "true increase" in the numbers. The new estimate would mean about 673,000 American children have autism. Previous estimates put the number at about 560,000.
One of the studies stems from the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health. The results are in October's Pediatrics. The other government estimate is from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and has not been formally released yet.
Medical News
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'Rapid strides': Advances offer hope for amputees
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FDA ups pressure on compounding pharmacies
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Doctor-assisted death: Seattle cancer hospital shares its experience
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Report questioning salt guidelines riles heart experts
An unusual medical brawl erupted on Tuesday when the influential Institute of Medicine issued a report questioning the basis of years of advice for Americans to cut their salt intake in half. -
Chris Christie's weight-loss procedure doesn't always work
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Caffeinated gum raises health buzz
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Dr. Oz's tips for losing those last 10 pounds
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How First Lady won over Miss. on school lunches
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Anger may raise heart attack risk, study finds
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Just one daily soda can raise diabetes risk
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Gut bugs linked to heart attacks, strokes
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12 school football players die each year, study finds
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Chelation little help for heart disease: study
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Brisk walk may be as good as a run, study finds
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Smart jocks: Fit kids do better at math, reading
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Seeing green might make your workout better
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No time to exercise? Try 10-minute workouts
The procrastinators, the super-busy, and the easily bored in pursuit of a manageable fitness routine may find what they seek in the 10-minute workout.
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Stressed? Exercise may help ward off anxiety
Exercise not only improves mood, it may help people maintain reduced anxiety in the face of stressful or emotional events, a new study says.
