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.
CONTACT: Patrick Creamer, (202) 225-3765
Office of U.S. Rep. Chris Smith
