CDC Provides Congress New Data on Prevalence at Briefing Arranged by Smith;
1 in Every 101 NJ Children Have a Form of Autism
WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- New statistical data
provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that shows 1 in every 101
New Jersey children have a form of autism is proof that federal government
needs to invest more in autism research and treatment programs, U.S. Rep.
Chris Smith (R-NJ) -- co-chairman of the Congressional Coalition on Autism
Research and Education (C.A.R.E.) -- said today.
"More and more children are being silenced by autism. The fact that 1
in every 101 children in New Jersey alone have a form of autism is alarming
data of epidemic proportions," said Smith, who authored the provision in
Title I of the Children's Health Act (PL 106-310) which created the Centers
of Excellence in Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disabilities
Epidemiology that carried out this study.
Smith added, "Now that we have a clear picture of the gravity of the
situation, we have a responsibility to act. Autism is a lifelong condition,
but some of its effects can be ameliorated, especially with early
detection. We must move to make resources available for families with
autistic children."
The information was released at a CDC briefing for Congress today,
which was arranged by Smith. The CDC data details that autism spectrum
disorder affects an average of 1 child in every 150. The pool represented
in the study amounts to 10 percent of the U.S. population of 8 year old
children.
"CDC's latest prevalence figures for autism represent the most
comprehensive effort to obtain accurate prevalence figures for autism
spectrum disorders to date. This data must be used as a roadmap to further
advance research, treatment and education programs to help us deal with
this epidemic," said Smith.
The CDC study includes children with behaviors consistent with autism,
Asperger's and pervasive developmental delays -- not otherwise specified
(PDD-NOS). The data came from 14 states including Arizona, Arkansas,
Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Utah.
The study also found higher prevalence in boys than girls (a range of
2.8 -- 6 boys to girls, depending on the state). In New Jersey, autism
spectrum disorders affect 1 in 68 boys and 1 in 233 girls.
For additional information about Representative Chris Smith and his
commitment to the people of New Jersey, please visit
http://www.house.gov/chrissmith/.
CONTACT: Patrick Creamer, (202) 225-3765
SOURCE Office of U.S. Rep. Chris Smith
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Related links:
http://www.house.gov/chrissmith
CONTACT:
Patrick Creamer of the Office of U.S. Rep.
Chris Smith, +1-202-225-3765
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