Autism rates have tripled among kids under 8, a study

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28-01-2023, 23:56

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INA - SOURCES

Autism is on the rise among young children, according to a new study.

The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, found that autism rates tripled over the last 16 years.

Researchers at Rutgers University looked at more than 4,000 8-year-olds.

They said the sharp rise in autism rates is largely due to greater awareness, better diagnosis tools and a broader definition of autism. Researchers also noted the greatest increases in diagnoses were amongst affluent children, concluding that children in underserved communities are not getting the same access to medical resources.

Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder, is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a "developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges."

The disorder begins before a child turns 3 and can last through their lifetime, though symptoms may improve and vary, the CDC notes.