CDC: Diagnosis of Autism Rising in U.S.

HEALTH -- March 29, 2012 at 3:33 PM EDT

CDC: Diagnosis of Autism Rising in U.S.

Autism rates in the United States have risen dramatically in recent years, jumping 23 percent between 2006 and 2008 and a full 78 percent between 2002 and 2008, according to new figures released Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The analysis comes from records of medical and school records of more than 330,000 eight-year-olds living in 14 states.

On Thursday's NewsHour, CDC Director Dr. Thomas Frieden and Dr. Susan Hyman of the American Academy of Pediatrics will elaborate on the results of the report and explore some the potential reasons for the jump.

In the meantime, find extensive background information on autism spectrum disorders from our recent Autism Now page, including Robert MacNeil's six-part broadcast series below.

Purchase a DVD of Autism Now

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