The number of children with autism is "significantly" higher
than previously thought, according to a new report released by
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. School-aged boys
were four times more likely to have an autism spectrum disorder
(ASD) diagnosis than girls, according to the new data. The CDC
released a report a year ago estimating 1 in 88 American
children has a form of autism spectrum disorder -
neurodevelopmental disorders that lead to impaired language,
communication and social skills. The report looked at medical
and educational records of all 8-year-olds living in 14 areas of
the United States during 2008. This new report is drawn from
answers given by parents of children between the ages of 6 and
17 in a telephone survey. Based on the answers provided by
parents who chose to answer questions, the survey suggests that
1 in 50 school-aged children have autism. The CDC's National
Center for Health Statistics conducted the survey between
February 2011 and June 2012. When the topic of